New Zealand Navy ship sinks

A Royal New Zealand Navy ship has capsized and sunk in the Pacific Ocean after striking a reef, the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) confirmed.

In a statement released on Sunday, the NZDF said the hydrographic survey and diving support vessel HMNZS Manawanui ran aground off the southern coast of Samoa’s Upolu Island on Saturday evening while on a surveying mission.

The ship reportedly lost power and drifted onto the reef, where it listed, caught fire, and eventually capsized. "The exact cause of the grounding remains unclear and requires further investigation," the Navy stated, adding that efforts were underway to "minimize the environmental impact." There are now growing concerns among locals about a potential oil leak from the vessel onto the reef it was surveying.

All 75 people aboard were safely rescued and brought ashore by Samoa's Fire and Emergency Services Authority despite challenging weather conditions. Three sailors have been hospitalized.

HMNZS Manawanui ran aground off the south coast of Upolu while conducting a reef survey.