Overview

• New Zealand confirmed a 10 million tala compensation to Samoa, meeting the full amount requested and drawing the funds from military budgets.
• Outlets reported differing U.S. dollar equivalents for the confirmed local-currency sum, with Reuters at about $3.5 million and RNZ at $6 million.
• HMNZS Manawanui remains on a reef off Upolu, though salvors removed fuel, pollutants, fallen containers and military equipment including weapons and ammunition.
• A Court of Inquiry in April cited human error and inadequate training, noting the crew failed to realize the ship was on autopilot as it headed toward the reef.
• Wellington and Apia are coordinating next steps, with an independent wreck assessment and environmental studies expected and monitoring showing no elevated hydrocarbons.