New Zealand Navy Ship Sank After Autopilot Error, Inquiry Finds

The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on a Samoan reef due to a series of human errors, marking the country's first naval loss since World War II.

The HMNZS Manawanui struck a reef off the coast of Samoa on October 5, 2024, after the crew failed to disengage autopilot during operations.
All 75 crew members were safely evacuated before the ship caught fire and sank, though minor injuries were reported.
The incident caused a slow oil leak, with salvage teams currently working to remove 950 tons of diesel and other pollutants from the wreck.
A preliminary inquiry identified human error as the primary cause, with crew mistaking the ship's lack of response for a thruster malfunction.
A wider investigation and disciplinary actions are expected in 2025, as the New Zealand Navy vows to implement lessons to prevent future incidents.