New Zealand naval ship catches fire and sinks near Samoa
- The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground near Upolu Island in Samoa while conducting a reef survey.
- All 75 crew members and passengers were safely rescued by nearby vessels, with no serious injuries reported.
- The cause of the grounding is under investigation, and officials aim to learn from the incident to prevent future occurrences.
A New Zealand navy ship, the HMNZS Manawanui, caught fire and sank off the coast of Samoa while conducting a reef survey. The incident occurred around 9 am local time on Sunday, with the vessel running aground near Upolu Island. Fortunately, all 75 crew members and passengers on board were rescued by nearby vessels, with no serious injuries reported. The New Zealand Defence Force confirmed the ship, valued at over NZ$100 million, capsized and is now submerged. The cause of the grounding is still under investigation, and New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed the need to learn from this incident to prevent future occurrences. Rescue efforts were supported by Samoa's fire and rescue team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of those on board. Photos shared by the rescuers depicted navy personnel being assisted ashore, highlighting the successful operation despite the challenging circumstances. A plane is scheduled to transport the rescued individuals back to New Zealand, as officials continue to assess the situation and determine the root cause of the grounding.