Wellington: The HMNZS Manawanui, a Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, ran aground and sank off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, during a reef survey, marking the navy's first ship loss since World War II. Fortunately, all 75 crew members and passengers were safely evacuated, according to a statement from the New Zealand Defence Force, as reported by Reuters. Photo courtesy: Reuters/Samoa Police.

The incident occurred on Saturday night when the vessel lost power and ran aground approximately one nautical mile from Upolu's southern coast. Commodore Shane Arndell, the maritime component commander, confirmed that rescue operations were promptly initiated, with multiple vessels assisting in evacuating the crew and passengers who were able to board lifeboats.

Late on Sunday, Samoa’s acting prime minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, expressed concerns about a potential oil spill from the sunken vessel, emphasizing the need for an environmental impact assessment in the affected area. The New Zealand Defence Force is coordinating efforts with local authorities to minimize environmental damage.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the ship shortly after the grounding. By 9 a.m. local time on Sunday, the Manawanui had completely submerged. The vessel, which was valued at NZ$103 million when commissioned in 2018, was designed for a variety of specialized tasks, including diving, salvage, and hydrographic surveys across the Pacific region.

The New Zealand Defence Force has initiated a court inquiry to investigate the cause of the grounding. Rear Admiral Garin Golding, chief of navy, announced that a plane would transport the rescued personnel back to New Zealand, with some having sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.

New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins acknowledged the significant challenges faced during the incident, stating that the primary focus now is to salvage the remains of the vessel and assess the risk of an environmental disaster. “We must ensure that we address the potential risks posed by the fuel and oil on board,” she stated.

The response to the emergency involved a collaborative effort, with the Samoan emergency services and Australian Defence Force personnel assisting in the rescue operations. Local businesses and environmental advocates are expressing their concern regarding the ecological impact of the incident, particularly on marine life in the region.

As authorities continue to investigate the grounding, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the environment and the affected communities surrounding Upolu.