The New Zealand Government has made a payment to the government of Samoa of Samoan Tala (SAT) 10 million (approximately NZD 6 million) following the grounding and sinking of HMNZS Manawanui in October last year.
The payment comes one year after the HMNZS Manawanui sank off the Safata District coastline on the south side of Upolu, Samoa. All 75 passengers and crew survived.
Foreign minister Winston Peters said the payment follows a request from the government of Samoa.
“We have responded to the Government of Samoa’s request in full and with good faith. We have always said we will do the right thing,” Peters noted.
“We recognise the impact the sinking has had on local communities and acknowledge the disruption it caused.”
Peters highlighted that New Zealand continues to work with Samoa on decisions around the ship and its future.
“Working with the Government of Samoa, our focus continues to be on minimising any possible environmental impacts and supporting the response. These are our absolute priorities,” the foreign minister explained.
According to New Zealand ministry of foreign affairs and trade, a comprehensive court of inquiry into the causes of the incident has been concluded and considerable work to implement the recommendations is underway.
Any disciplinary proceedings that may arise are yet to be determined, but New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) advises that the investigation is reaching its closing stages.
“Today marks one year since the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa on 6 October 2024. The ship ran aground the previous evening on a reef off Upolu while conducting a survey task. In the ensuing hours, despite the elements and the darkness, all 75 ship’s company and passengers made their way to shore safely, thanks in very great part to Samoan authorities and the courage of the local Samoan community who responded to the incident as it unfolded,” the NZDF statement reads.
It further added that: “Alongside our Samoan colleagues much work has been carried out in the past 12 months to minimise the effects of the sinking and investigate the causes. Fallen shipping containers have been removed. Fuel, oil, other pollutants, equipment, weapons, ammunition and debris have been recovered and the wreck has been made as safe as possible.
“Further work is required. That work includes progressing an independent wreck assessment together with environmental studies. This information will be essential in supporting decisions about the future work required. The priority remains, as it has been throughout, to minimise any environmental impacts of the sinking, and to support the Government of Samoa in its response.”
