Official Inquiry Determines NZ Navy Ship Was on Autopilot During Reef Collision

An official investigation has determined that a New Zealand naval vessel, which collided with a coral reef, subsequently caught fire, and then sank, was operating on autopilot. Personnel aboard the HMNZS Manawanui believed the vessel was being manually steered as it navigated Samoan waters. All 75 individuals on board were safely evacuated. However, the sunken ship began to release oil into the sea, causing apprehension among residents of nearby coastal communities. The HMNZS Manawanui represented New Zealand’s initial naval loss since World War Two. It constituted one of the nine vessels within the nation’s modest naval fleet. The initial findings from an investigation into the occurrence were published on Friday. This report indicated that crew members had suspected issues with the ship’s thruster when they were unable to alter the vessel’s course. Nevertheless, prior to the collision, no crew member verified if the ship remained in autopilot mode. Navy chief Garin Golding informed journalists that “the direct cause of the grounding has been determined as a series of human errors”. He further stated, “Muscle memory from the person in control should have leaned over to that panel and checked whether the screen said autopilot or not.” The investigation is anticipated to conclude next year. Golding mentioned that upon the inquiry’s conclusion, authorities would initiate a distinct disciplinary procedure concerning three crew members whose identities were not disclosed. He affirmed, “I want to reassure the public of New Zealand that we will learn from this situation and that it is on me, as the Chief of Navy, to earn back your trust.” He also noted that divers are observing the “persistent slow leak”. Although gear is scheduled for transport to Samoa this week to extract fuel and other contaminants from the vessel, New Zealand officials have not yet declared intentions to salvage the ship itself. The vessel was engaged in surveying waters near the island of Upolu when it collided with a reef and ignited amidst a period of turbulent and windy conditions. It subsequently sank a short time later. In the subsequent days, individuals on social media began to harass the ship’s female captain, asserting that her gender was responsible. New Zealand’s defence minister at the time condemned these commentators as “armchair admirals.”