A New Zealand Navy ship, the Manawanui, capsized and subsequently sank off the coast of Samoa.
75 Crew Members Rescued
Fortunately, all 75 personnel on board were rescued.
This incident occurred on Saturday evening while the vessel was conducting measurements on the reef near the southern coast of Samoa.
Commander Shane Arndell, the head of the New Zealand Navy, confirmed the events in a statement, according to Digi24.
Multiple vessels responded to the emergency, assisting in the rescue of the crew and passengers who had to evacuate into the water using lifeboats. Additionally, a Poseidon aircraft from the New Zealand Air Force was deployed to support the rescue efforts.
Cause is Still Unknown
The cause of the ship's capsizing is still under investigation, as stated by the New Zealand Navy.
Video footage and photographs shared in the media depict the Manawanui tilted precariously to one side, with dense smoke rising from the vessel.
The ship, which was commissioned in 2018 at a cost of NZD 103 million (USD 63 million), faced a challenging situation as rescue operations were underway.
The New Zealand Navy has expressed its commitment to working closely with authorities to understand the implications of this incident fully and to minimize its environmental impact.
The timely response of both naval and air forces played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. As the investigation continues, further details regarding the cause of the capsizing are anticipated.
