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2024-10-07 Down Under

20% of the New Zealand Navy Sinks - Captain Lauded

[GCaptain] In a dramatic turn of events, HMNZS Manawanui, the Royal New Zealand Navy’s newly upgraded hydrographic salvage and support ship, ran aground last night during a reef survey off the southern coast of Samoa. The vessel subsequently caught fire and sank, marking the first peacetime loss of a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ship. While no injuries were reported, the incident resulted in an oil spill.

Videos and photos published by local media showed the Manawanui listing heavily and on fire with plumes of thick grey smoke rising after it ran aground. By 9 a.m. local time, the vessel had capsized and was “now submerged” after sinking beneath the surface, according to Reuters.

The New Zealand Defence Force stated that the cause of the grounding is currently unknown and will require further investigation. The ship was on its third deployment to the South West Pacific this year, with scheduled activities in the Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, and Niue. It was due to return home on November 1st. The crew included seven civilian scientists and four foreigners.

The incident unfolded on Saturday evening, leading to a complex nighttime evacuation of all 75 crew members and passengers in challenging weather conditions. While New Zealand officials are praising the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Yvonne Gray, for her swift action, some question whether more could have been done to save one of only five fully operational ships in the underfunded and overworked RNZN fleet.

Posted by Gloluns Turkeyneck4904 2024-10-07 03:55|| || Front Page|| [11147 views ] Top

#1 Been cross-training with the US Navy I see...

Posted by ed in texas 2024-10-07 09:41|| 2024-10-07 09:41|| Front Page Top

#2 I'd think it's more in line with the chinese fleet and their habit of sinking/catching fire every time they undock.

Posted by Silentbrick 2024-10-07 12:13|| 2024-10-07 12:13|| Front Page Top

#3 This is the 3rd major incident(and by far the biggest with the total loss of a $100m ship) in 6 months.

HMNZS Manawanui sunk:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hmnzs-...HLVHARNGMOUKU/

HMNZs Te Kaha Frigate hits wharf:

https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/3...-cost-220k-fix

HMNZS Canterbury Commander removed:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3504...tion-under-way

Posted by Bangkok Billy 2024-10-07 15:30|| 2024-10-07 15:30|| Front Page Top

#4 so they sunk doing a reef survey... maybe should have done that survey a while ago....

Posted by Mercutio 2024-10-07 16:13|| 2024-10-07 16:13|| Front Page Top

#5 Anyone noticing the pattern?

Posted by Bangkok Billy 2024-10-07 16:48|| 2024-10-07 16:48|| Front Page Top

#6 L3sbian Diversity Rulez?

Posted by Frank G 2024-10-07 17:07|| 2024-10-07 17:07|| Front Page Top

#7 They found a coral reef in the middle of the South Pacific. Hard to believe, I know. But the “ abandon ship” - totally nailed it. Probably the only drill they ever ran.

Posted by Ululating Platypus 2024-10-07 17:28|| 2024-10-07 17:28|| Front Page Top

#8 the environmental damage of this disaster will be significant - many tons of fuel and other chemicals now in the ocean

which is ironic since the mission was environmental in nature

Posted by Lord Garth 2024-10-07 19:39|| 2024-10-07 19:39|| Front Page Top

#9 @#6 - Frank G for the win! Another case not mentioned here was a l3sbo ship CO relieved for cause.

Posted by Elminens Flaith4146 2024-10-07 20:49|| 2024-10-07 20:49|| Front Page Top

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