New Zealand navy ship sinks after running aground, catching fire

A New Zealand Navy vessel, the HMNZS Manawanui, has capsized in waters near Samoa after catching fire due to running aground. All 75 crew members on board have been rescued, with two being taken to hospital for treatment.

The Gisborne-based vessel was undertaking a survey task at the time of the incident. The Royal New Zealand Navy stated in a release that the ship was one nautical mile from the coast when the grounding occurred.

The statement indicated that the 75 crew and passengers began evacuating via life rafts at 7:52 pm, and were subsequently transported to shore by rescue vessels. Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Sean Arndell, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are very grateful to all those involved in the rescue, from RCCNZ who coordinated the rescue, to the vessels that responded and safely transferred our crew and passengers from Manawanui."

According to the New Zealand Navy, the ship, which entered service in 2019, is "a modern, capable platform for specialist diving and hydrographic operations." Its missions include "coastal and port survey, underwater explosive ordnance disposal, underwater search and salvage, and limited mine countermeasures."

Currently, an Australian Navy vessel is en route to the scene to provide assistance.