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Download AudioNew Zealand’s Defence Force lost a $100 million Navy ship, HMNZS Manawanui, after it struck a reef and sank in strong currents off Upolu, Samoa while conducting a hydrographic survey in the Pacific.
Commander Yvonne Gray ordered the crew to abandon ship early Sunday morning our time.
Among the 75 people on board, two were hospitalised, one with a dislocated shoulder and another a back injury, while a dozen others suffered cuts from walking on the reef.
Minister for Defence Judith Collins praised the efforts of Commander Gray, the crew as well as Samoan rescuers, with their attention now on environmental impacts.
“The immediate focus right now is on mitigating the environmental impacts and salvaging what is left of the Manawanui, if that is possible. We hope that the environmental effects will be minimal, and we are working with relevant parties to establish what is needed and how we can assist,” she says.
The cause will be investigated by a court of inquiry, but Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding praised Gray’s quick decision as life-saving.
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