New Zealand’s navy has experienced its first peacetime ship loss since World War II, after the $100 million multi-role support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground off the southern coast of Upolu Island in Samoa. The ship caught fire and eventually sank, triggering an environmental disaster in the area.
All 75 passengers and crew, including sailors, civilian scientists, and foreign personnel, were safely evacuated. The incident, however, has brought renewed scrutiny to the leadership of Commander Yvonne Gray, the ship’s openly lesbian commanding officer.
Originally built in Norway and later repurposed for New Zealand’s Royal Navy with a $103 million investment, the Manawanui was conducting a seabed survey mission when it struck a reef, according to maritime news outlet gCaptain. The evacuation, which took place at night in perilous conditions, saw the crew abandoning ship amid rough seas. Life rafts were tossed into the water, and several crew members had to fight strong currents to reach safety.
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NZ Navy’s HMNZS Manawanui has run aground off the coast of Samoa during a reef survey. All 75 crew and passengers safely evacuated, but the vessel caught fire and has sunk. Rescue operations were