/Reuters Agency
The Government of New Zealand announced that it will pay the Government of Samoa 10 million Samoan tala (USD 3.51 million) following the sinking of a Royal New Zealand Navy vessel off the coast of the Polynesian country in 2024.
The Manawanui, a specialized diving and hydrographic navy ship, ran aground near the south coast of Upolu in October 2024 while conducting a reef survey.
The crew abandoned the ship, which subsequently capsized and sank. All 75 sailors survived. An initial investigation into the grounding concluded it was caused by a series of human errors.
New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, stated that the payment is in response to a request from the Government of Samoa.
“We recognize the impact the sinking has had on local communities and acknowledge the disruption it caused,” said Peters.
The Manawanui remains on the reef, but rescuers have removed the diesel, oil, and other pollutants from the ship, along with the equipment, weapons, ammunition, and cargo containers.
Peters noted that New Zealand continues to work with Samoa on decisions related to the vessel and its future.
“Working with the Government of Samoa, our focus remains on minimizing any potential environmental impact and supporting the response. These are our absolute priorities,” Peters emphasized.
