The timeline of a crisis
The Manawanui had been conducting survey operations near Apia when its crew attempted a routine starboard turn. Due to a critical oversight—failing to disengage the ship’s autopilot—the vessel did not respond as expected. Misinterpreting the situation as a thruster control failure, the crew inadvertently allowed the ship to accelerate toward the reef. Despite attempts to regain control, the ship grounded multiple times before becoming stranded, culminating in catastrophic fires that led to its sinking the following morning.
Remarkably, no lives were lost. A well-executed decision to abandon ship just 30 minutes after the initial grounding was pivotal, ensuring the safety of all personnel aboard.
A deeper look: human error
Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, acknowledges that the incident arose from a series of human errors. Central to the failure was the crew’s inability to verify whether the ship was under manual control, a routine check that could have averted disaster. While the report highlights this as the direct cause, it also signals a broader need to examine systemic vulnerabilities, including procedural gaps and training deficiencies.
Investigations and accountability
The interim findings are part of a broader inquiry expected to conclude in early 2025. Subsequent phases will delve into contributing factors and recommend changes to prevent future occurrences. Rear Admiral Golding has committed to addressing these shortcomings, promising a thorough disciplinary process once the inquiry is complete.
Immediate actions
In response to the incident, the New Zealand Defence Force has launched fleet-wide audits and begun implementing preliminary lessons. These measures focus on improving risk management, refining operating procedures, and enhancing crew training. “We are determined to rebuild trust by learning from this tragedy,” Golding affirmed.
International collaboration and local support
The investigation has benefited from the expertise of the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Additionally, Samoa’s cooperation has been invaluable, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in maritime operations.
Looking ahead
While the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui stands as a profound loss, it also serves as a critical learning moment for New Zealand’s Navy. Rear Admiral Golding has pledged to ensure that the lessons from this incident translate into actionable reforms.
For a community that relies on the navy’s expertise and vigilance, the commitment to accountability, safety, and excellence is paramount. With continued transparency and dedication to improvement, the navy seeks to honour its mission while safeguarding its future.
Key points
- Incident Overview: HMNZS Manawanui grounded and sank off Samoa on 5 October 2024 due to human error during survey operations.
- Cause: The ship’s autopilot was not disengaged, leading to a failure to respond to direction changes.
- Contributing Factors: Misidentification of the issue as a thruster control failure and lack of verification for manual control.
- Immediate Aftermath: The ship grounded multiple times before sinking after catastrophic fires.
- Court of Inquiry: Interim findings focus on human error; further investigations will address systemic and procedural lessons.
- Disciplinary Actions: Pending the inquiry’s final phase, disciplinary measures are under consideration.
- Preventive Measures: Fleet-wide audits and adjustments to training, procedures, and risk management initiated.
- International and Local Collaboration: Support from Australian and Samoan authorities during the investigation.
- Commitment to Improvement: NZDF emphasises learning from the incident to restore public trust.
- Safety Legacy: The abandonment process was executed efficiently, preventing injuries or fatalities.
