8 Oct 2024

Navy confirms Manawanui lying on side 30 meters underwater

From Checkpoint, 5:15 pm on 8 October 2024

The NZ Navy has this evening confirmed the HMNZS Manawanui, is lying on her side in 30 metres underwater on a reef off the south coast of Upolu in Samoa and is so far not leaking diesel. The ship with 75 crew onboard, sank after running aground, catching fire and capsizing. Commodore Shane Arn-dell told Checkpoint divers had surveyed the ship today and confirmed the 1000 tonnes of diesel fuel in the tanks remain intact. Reporter Louise Ternouth is in Samoa and spoke to Lisa Owen from Se'umu Village on the coast.