HMNZS MANAWANUI

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

NZ Navy published its final Copurt of Inquiry report

On April 3, the Royal New Zealand Navy released its final Court of Inquiry report detailing the circumstances that led to the loss of the HMNZS 'Manawanui', while conducting a hydrographic survey of a reef. Nine recommendations were outlined in the report, focusing on risk management, procedural improvements, force generation, seaworthiness standards, training protocols, and hydrographic capabilities. The Court of Inquiry, presided over by Commodore Melissa Ross, identified direct causes including the ship maintaining a heading toward land and confusion over the vessel’s autopilot status. Critically, the crew attempted to adjust course using azimuth thruster controls while the ship remained in autopilot mode, rendering their actions ineffective. The situation was compounded by a mistaken assessment of thruster control failure and subsequent non-adherence to emergency procedures, which should have included switching from autopilot to manual control: “The Court found deficiencies in the training and qualifications of key ship’s personnel involved in the incident, risks related to the survey task were not sufficiently identified, discussed and mitigated, and instructions or procedures were lacking.” The investigation revealed that the ship’s Commanding Officer was not platform endorsed for the vessel, a requirement specified in the New Zealand Manual of Navigation. Chief of the Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding acknowledged the findings, highlighting a concerning gap between work as imagined and work as done. The Navy has already implemented several corrective measures, including reviews of risk management procedures and training protocols. The investigation identified twelve contributing factors, including training and experience deficiencies, inadequate military hydrographic planning, procedural issues, supervision gaps, and leadership concerns. The Navy announced plans for a comprehensive transformation program to address systemic issues, including the lack of standardization across the fleet. Full report: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Uploads/DocumentLibrary/MAN-COI-ROP-FINAL-31-Mar-25_Redacted-v2.pdf

Independent experts undertaking a wreck assessment on the possible tourism dive site

The HMNZS 'Manawanui' is being made as secure as possible, with independent experts undertaking a wreck assessment on the possible tourism dive site. The Government of Samoa favours the ship becoming a permanent fixture as a tourism-focused dive site. After the diesel fuel and other pollutants have successfully been removed, salvage crews were now working to recover equipment, weapons, ammunition and some debris. After a brief visit to the Port of Apia to reconfigure the salvors’ barge, it’s back moored over the 'Manawanui'. Using their highly-specialised diving and salvage capability, the salvors have cut access into the ship and retrieved weapons and ammunition from secure compartments. The Samoan and New Zealand Governments were mwanwhile working through what the next steps are. The wreck assessment i ncludes studies of the reef and marine environment in the vicinity of the 'Manawanui'. Report with photo: https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/15792-wrecked-hmnzs-manawanui-made-secure-as-possible-for-potential-dive-site

Recovery of weapons and ammunition from wreck

The recovery of weapons and ammunition from the HMZS 'Manawanui' will begin as the salvage crew has completed the removal of diesel fuel and pollutants eliminating an environmental threat, New Zealand Defense Force officials said on MArch 26. The next phase of the operation focuses on recovering weapons, ammunition, equipment, and debris from the wreck, according to Commodore Andrew Brown, the NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution. After a brief visit to the Port of Apia to reconfigure the salvors’ barge, it’s back moored over the 'Manawanui'. Salvors have accessed secure compartments to retrieve weapons and ammunition using specialised diving and salvage techniques. The authorities have worked closely with the Samoan Police Service to ensure the safe and secure storage of recovered weapons and ammunition. Some of the ammunition has deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to seawater and is being safely disposed of with assistance from Samoan officials. The remaining weapons, equipment, and debris will be transported back to New Zealand. The Samoan and New Zealand governments are determining the next steps, with independent experts conducting a wreck assessment. The evaluation includes studies of the reef and marine environment surrounding the wreck. The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa continues to monitor the area and has reported no contamination of seawater or marine life.