New Zealand navy ship disaster highlights crew's lack of training

In October 2024, a New Zealand navy ship named HMNZS Manawanui ran aground and sank off the coast of Samoa, leading to an inquiry that revealed serious deficiencies in the crew's training and experience. This incident marked the first loss of a New Zealand navy vessel at sea since World War II and raised alarms over the condition of the country's military. The inquiry's findings, released in a 120-page report, indicated that the crew did not realize the ship was on autopilot as it headed towards a reef, showcasing a profound misunderstanding of their operational capabilities. The report, released by a military Court of Inquiry, highlighted a total of a dozen failings among the crew, the ship, and New Zealand’s navy. It noted that the navy was under pressure to meet demands with a lean and inexperienced workforce, resulting in significant risks in operating its fleet. Defense Minister Judith Collins described the state of the navy as “perilous” and emphasized that a thorough uplift of the military was required. The New Zealand defense agency has been issuing warnings about the aging military hardware, further pointing to the fragility of the navy as several ships were left idle. An interim report had previously disclosed that the crew attempted to alter the course of the ship while mistakenly believing they were facing technical malfunctions rather than being on autopilot. The concern that arose from this report was compounded by the apparent “hollowness” of the navy, indicating systemic issues that warranted a serious investigation into training practices and operational readiness. Rear Admiral Garin Golding acknowledged the negative impact on the navy's reputation resulting from this incident. Environmental concerns were also raised following the sinking as the ship had been involved in surveying a reef. In response to public outcry from Samoan villagers fearing ecological damage, New Zealand's military worked for months to remove pollutants from the submerged vessel, which remains where it sank. Although a no-fishing zone around the sunken ship was lifted by Samoa’s government, the long-term impact on the marine ecosystem due to the incident continues to be a point of concern. The military authorities have yet to decide whether the ship will be salvaged.