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HMNZS Manawanui (2019)

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HMNZS Manawanui during RIMPAC 2020
History
Norway
NameEdda Fonn
BuilderMyklebust Verft AS[1]
Launched2003 (21 years ago) (2003)[1]
AcquiredMay 2003
FateSold to Royal New Zealand Navy in August 2018
New Zealand
NameHMNZS Manawanui
CostNZ$147 million 2018[2]
Sponsored byJacinda Ardern[3]
Christened7 June 2019
Commissioned7 June 2019 (5 years ago) (7 June 2019)
HomeportGisborne[4]
Identification
Fate
General characteristics
Type
  • Littoral operations vessel
  • Hydrographic and diving support
Displacement5,741 tonnes full load[5]
Length84.7 m (277 ft 11 in)[5]
Beam18.0 m (59 ft 1 in)[5]
Draught6.8 m (22 ft 4 in)[5]
Propulsion
  • 4 × 1,920 kW (2,570 hp)
  • 7,680 kW (10,300 bhp) total[1]
Speed13 knots (24 km/h)[5]
Range7,000 nmi (13,000 km)[5]
Capacity
  • 700 m2 (7,500 sq ft) deck area[1]
  • 800 tonnes deck cargo[1]
  • 100 tonne crane[1]
  • 66 passengers[5]
Complement39 core crew[5]

HMNZS Manawanui was a dive and hydrographic vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). It had previously served as the civilian survey vessel MV Edda Fonn in the Norwegian oil and gas industry. The ship was purchased for the RNZN in 2018, and commissioned on 7 June 2019, replacing the hydrographic survey ship HMNZS Resolution and diving support vessel HMNZS Manawanui (A09).

Manawanui entered operational service in early 2020 and undertook multiple deployments in the Pacific over subsequent years, participating in RIMPAC 2020 and supporting operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Manawanui sank on 6 October 2024 after running aground while surveying a reef off the coast of Samoa. All 75 people on board Manawanui were rescued.

Civil career and conversion

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MV Edda Fonn at Rotterdam in 2003

The ship was built in 2003 by Myklebust Verft and delivered in May as MV Edda Fonn to Østensjø Rederi to serve as a survey vessel for work in the oil and gas industry. It was based in Haugesund, Norway.[6][7] Edda Fonn was chartered out to the Norwegian subsea service provider Reach Subsea in December 2014,[8] completing survey and inspection tasks in the North Sea.[9] In February 2017 the ship was tasked with inspecting pipelines in the Mediterranean Sea between Algeria and Spain.[10]

In August 2018 Edda Fonn was purchased by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) at a cost of $103 million to replace the hydrographic support ship HMNZS Resolution and the diving support vessel HMNZS Manawanui (A09).[11] The New Zealand government had originally planned to purchase a newly built ship for these roles, with work on this project beginning in 2013.[11][12] After NZ$148 million of funding for the project was diverted in 2017 to cover the unexpectedly high costs of upgrading the RNZN's two Anzac-class frigates it was decided to acquire a second-hand vessel instead.[11][13] New Zealand Ministry of Defence officials reviewed 150 vessels before identifying Edda Fonn as suitable for conversion.[14]

Edda Fonn underwent initial work at Orskov Yard in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The moonpool and remotely operated underwater vehicle hangar were remodelled, and specialist equipment including a multibeam echosounder, diving launch and recovery system, and davits were installed. It was also repainted in RNZN colours.[15][16]

Operational history

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The ship arrived in New Zealand in May 2019.[17] Renamed, HMNZS Manawanui it was commissioned into the RNZN on 7 June. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was the ship's sponsor.[3] At the time of commissioning it was intended that the ship would serve with the navy for 15 years.[18] Manawanui was based at the Devonport Naval Base.[19] Its honorary home port was Gisborne.[20] The ship's first commanding officer was Lieutenant Commander Andy Mahoney.[18]

US Ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown on the bridge of Manawanui in November 2019

After being commissioned, Manawanui required further modifications to be fitted with communications equipment and items specific to a military role.[21] These works were originally scheduled to be completed by November 2019 but were delayed due to technical problems and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inability of foreign contractors to travel to New Zealand during the pandemic was one of the causes of the delays. Bad weather and difficulties with fitting new equipment to the ship also contributed. Most of the modifications had been made by mid-2020 but the project was not completed until September 2023. Manawanui was able to be used for much of this period, with new capabilities being added as elements of the modifications were completed.[22]

Manawanui completed its initial safety and readiness checks in February 2020.[23] It received interim operational release that month, which was earlier than the initially planned date of April 2021. This change was made to allow the ship to participate in that year's RIMPAC military exercise off Hawaii.[24] Manawanui took part in this exercise during August 2020.[25][26] During the exercise Manawanui operated with warships from Australia, Brunei and Singapore. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions its crew was unable to disembark the ship during the deployment.[26]

Manawanui sailing in formation with other vessels during Exercise RIMPAC 2020

During 2021 Manawanui received a range of modifications and two new engines. These works were delayed by the strict COVID-19 lockdown in Auckland that year. Sea trials were undertaken in March 2022.[27]

In September 2022 Manawanui was part of a multinational operation to remove World War II ordnance in Tuvalu.[28] On 9 December 2022, Commander Yvonne Gray took the command of Manawanui. Gray, originally an officer in the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, moved to New Zealand in 2012.[19]

During February 2023 Manawanui provided support to the area around Gisborne in New Zealand in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. This included assessing damage to Gisborne's port and transporting supplies.[29] During the same month the ship was used to carry 3.2 tonnes of cocaine to New Zealand after it was seized by the police during an operation in which the drugs were intercepted after they had been dropped in the Pacific Ocean ahead of being smuggled into Australia.[30] In November 2023 it conducted undersea surveys and disposal of World War II bombs in Niue, Fiji, and Vanuatu.[31]

In 2024 the vessel carried out three deployments to the South West Pacific, including visits to Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau and Niue. In its final deployment the vessel sailed from Devonport on 28 September, intending to return to port on 1 November.[32]

Sinking

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Loss of HMNZS Manawanui

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On the evening of 5 October 2024, Manawanui lost power and ran aground around one nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) off Siumu, on the south coast of Upolu island, Samoa, whilst carrying out survey work to a reef in rough seas and high winds.[33] Commander Yvonne Gray gave the order for everyone to abandon the ship.[34] All 75 crew on board were evacuated by four of the vessel's life rafts and two rigid hull inflatable boats early on 6 October.[35][36][37] Rescue efforts were managed by the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre and the Royal New Zealand Air Force deployed a P-8A Poseidon aircraft to assist. The evacuation began at 7:52 pm on 5 October.[32] Due to challenging weather conditions it took five hours for the lifeboats to reach the shore. One of the rescue boats flipped over during the journey and its occupants walked to shore on the reef.[35] At 10:00 pm, the British cruise ship MS Queen Elizabeth and Danish cable-laying ship MS Lodbrog responding to the mayday arrived on scene to render aid.[38][39]

The vessel caught fire by 6:40 am on 6 October and capsized and sank by 9:00 am.[40][41][36] At least 17 people were injured in the incident,[42] many from cuts and abrasions from walking on the reef, and three received hospital treatment, including one for a dislocated shoulder.[35][43] The crew and passengers, including seven scientists and four personnel from foreign militaries, were accommodated in Samoa before being flown to New Zealand. The RNZN was carrying out works to salvage the vessel and mitigate the environmental impact of the sinking.[36] On 7 October, local residents reported seeing and smelling oil near the wreck.[44] The acting Samoan Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio said in a press statement, "The HMNZS Manawanui is not recoverable and has sunk into the ocean."[45]

The vessel is the first New Zealand naval vessel to be unintentionally sunk since World War II and the first to be lost in peacetime.[36][43]

Aftermath

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At the time of the sinking, Manawanui was carrying 950 tonnes of diesel.[46] On 8 October, local Samoan residents reported that the sinking caused an oil spill which threatened tourism and fishing in the local area.[47] On the same day, the RNZN stated that while oil had leaked from Manawanui as it sank naval divers who had inspected the wreck had not detected anything leaking from it. The Samoan Government concurred with this assessment. At this time the wreck was 30 metres (98 ft) below the surface, with the ship lying on its side. The RNZN was considering options to remove fuels and other chemicals from the wreck.[48] On 11 October, local fishers reported fish covered in oil, and Samoan authorities confirmed a leak of 200,000 litres (44,000 imp gal; 53,000 US gal) of diesel and damage to the reef.[49][50] The crew of a RNZAF Poseidon who overflew the wreck on this day also sighted a slick. RNZN divers determined that there was a leak emanating from the ship's engine room.[51]

Local Samoan residents expressed concerns about the impact of the ship's sinking on the maritime environment, and called for compensation and an independent inquiry. Tafitoala village representative Taloaileono Vasasou said that the oil leak was polluting the coast and contaminating their clam reserve while the senior matai (chief) of Vaiee village Tuia Paepae Letoa reported that fish caught in the area were covered with oil. Residents of the Safata district convened a meeting to discuss the impact of the sinking and demand compensation. Due to the sinking, a 20 km (12 mi) stretch of coastal area near the wreckage site was closed to fishing on 7 October. Tafitoala matai and fisherman Afoa Patolo Afoa said that the sinking and resulting fishing ban would affect the livelihoods of many local residents.[52]

Salvaging

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On 15 October, salvage work on Manawanui began. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) salvage operation was called Operation Resolution and consisted of 60 personnel led by RNZN Deputy Chief of the Navy Commodore Andrew Brown. The NZDF was assisted by the Samoan government, Maritime New Zealand and Samoa's Maritime Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC). The MPAC despatched divers to recover ship debris, conduct water contamination tests and develop a plan to remove the remaining fuel. MPAC chair Fui Mau Simanu reported that the sunken Manawanui and its anchor chain had caused substantial damage to the reef covering an area of 5,000 square metres (54,000 sq ft). In addition, the ship contained 960 tonnes of diesel fuel while three dislodged shipping containers were also causing damage to the reef. That same day, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon formally apologised to the Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and acting prime minister for the sinking of Manawanui.[53][52]

On 17 October, the NZDF confirmed that it would work with Samoan contractor ARK Marine to remove the three shipping containers from the reef off the south-west coast of Upolu, commencing 18 October. Two of the containers were empty while one was carrying 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) of food.[54] That same day, the NZDF confirmed that the crew of HMS Tamar had recovered Manawanui's navigation record book. The record book along with the ship's black box are expected to be used as key evidence in the court of inquiry. New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins also confirmed there were small oil leaks from Manawanui but said that Defence Force and Maritime New Zealand staff had not found any pollution on the shorelines or dead wildlife.[55]

On 19 October, the NZDF announced that work to mitigate pollution from the wreckage would be scaled down during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for the following week. However, work to recover the three containers would continue over the weekend.[56] That same day, Prime Minister Mataʻafa confirmed that dive and coastal operations in the Safata region would be temporarily suspended for a week. Samoan and New Zealand authorities agreed to focus on scaled-down monitoring and inspections during the week of the CHOGM.[57] On 19 October, New Zealand and Samoan teams managed to remove one of the containers from the reef by nightfall. The two remaining containers, including the one containing food, were expected to be removed by 21 October depending on weather conditions.[58]

On 20 October, Radio New Zealand reported that an insurance surveyor had completed work on Manawanui. The MPAC confirmed that it would hire a contractor to remove the remaining fuel from the sunken ship. Committee chair Simanu said that fuel salvaging was expected to start in mid-November 2024 and last about 20 days depending on weather conditions.[59] On 21 October, the NZDF confirmed that NZ and Samoan teams had successfully removed the second container containing food supplies.[60] On 23 October, the third container was removed from the reef following four days of coordination between the NZDF, local contractor Ark Marine and the support of Samoan authorities.[61] The containers were disposed of at a nearby port while the food supplies were buried in a landfill.[62][63] On 24 October, the NZDF said it was unable to provide a timeframe for removing the ship and its fuel tanks from the reef.[62][63]

Reactions

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The sinking of Manawanui led to female members of the NZDF being subjected to abuse online and in person. Commander Gray was also abused by online commentators and was accused of being hired due to her gender.[64] On 10 October the New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins condemned these activities, labelling them a "deeply concerning misogynistic narrative".[65] The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, also called on the attacks to stop.[66]

Court of inquiry

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The loss of the ship will be investigated by a naval court of inquiry.[67] Rear Admiral Golding has said that some parts of the inquiry will be public and others, such as where commercially sensitive information is discussed, will be confidential.[68] The court of inquiry will be headed by Commodore Melissa Ross, who is a former Deputy Chief of Navy in the RNZN. The other members of the court of inquiry will be Captain Andrew Mahoney from the RNZN, Group Captain John McWilliam from the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Captain Dean Battilana from the Royal Australian Navy.[69]

See also

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References

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Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Edda Fon Archived 30 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine Østensjø Rederi website. Retrieved: 30 August 2018.
  2. ^ "The Government has approved the purchase of a dive and hydrographic support vessel for the Royal New Zealand Navy Official website of the New Zealand Government, 22 August 2018.
  3. ^ a b "HMNZS Manawanui". Royal New Zealand Navy. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  4. ^ Gisborne home port for navy's new vessel Gisborne Herald, 28 August 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h RNZN website. Accessed 30 August 2018.
  6. ^ "Edda Fonn". Ship Technology. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  7. ^ Giske, Kim Idar (10 April 2003). "Edda Fonn (04/2003)". Maritimt Magasin. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Reach Subsea awards more time to Edda Fonn vessel". Offshore Energy. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Reach Subsea Secures More Work for Its Vessels". Offshore Energy. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  10. ^ "MMT to Survey Algeria – Spain Subsea Pipeline". Offshore Energy. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Laura Walters (22 August 2018). "Govt buys new navy ship with remaining money after frigate blowout". Stuff. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  12. ^ New Zealand Ministry of Defence 2023, pp. 64–65.
  13. ^ New Zealand Ministry of Defence 2023, p. 65.
  14. ^ "Edda Fonn offshore vessel sold to New Zealand Navy". Offshore Energy. 23 August 2018. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  15. ^ Harrison Christian (7 June 2019). "New ship a 'game changer' for NZ Navy – Defence Minister". Stuff. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  16. ^ "Conversion of Edda Fonn – from Research Vessel to Diving Support Vessel". Orskov Yard. 12 April 2019. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  17. ^ "'I name this ship, Her Majesty's New Zealand ship, Manawanui'". RNZ. 8 June 2019. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  18. ^ a b Hartigan, Brian (7 June 2019). "HMNZS Manawanui commissioned by PM Jacinda Ardern". CONTACT magazine. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  19. ^ a b "Yorkshire woman takes command of Royal New Zealand Navy Ship". New Zealand Defence Force. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  20. ^ "New Zealand Navy chooses Gisborne as homeport for new vessel". Naval Today. 4 September 2018. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  21. ^ New Zealand Ministry of Defence 2023, p. 69.
  22. ^ New Zealand Ministry of Defence 2023, pp. 70–71, 73.
  23. ^ New Zealand Defence Force 2020a, p. 89.
  24. ^ New Zealand Ministry of Defence 2023, pp. 70–71.
  25. ^ New Zealand Defence Force (29 July 2020). "HMNZS Manawanui heads to Rim of the Pacific exercise around Hawaii". Medium. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  26. ^ a b New Zealand Defence Force 2021, p. 64.
  27. ^ New Zealand Defence Force 2022, p. 84.
  28. ^ "International naval team finds 22 huge World War II bombs in Tuvalu lagoon". RNZ. 27 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  29. ^ "Cyclone Gabrielle: Navy ship with supplies diverts from Tolaga Bay". RNZ. 17 February 2023. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  30. ^ Graham-McLay, Charlotte (8 February 2023). "New Zealand intercepts 3.2 tonnes of cocaine worth $500m floating in Pacific Ocean". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  31. ^ "NZ Navy conduct Pacific operation to dispose submerged World War II bombs". RNZ. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  32. ^ a b "HMNZS Manawanui crew and passengers rescued after ship runs aground in Samoa". New Zealand Defence Force. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  33. ^ Yee, Isaac (7 October 2024). "New Zealand loses first naval ship since WWII; vessel threatening oil spill off Samoan coast". CNN. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  34. ^ "Ex-Royal Navy commander praised for saving lives after New Zealand naval ship sinks". Forces News. 7 October 2024.
  35. ^ a b c "HMNZS Manawanui: What we know about the ship's sinking". RNZ. 6 October 2024. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  36. ^ a b c d "New Zealand loses first naval ship to sea since WW2". BBC News. 6 October 2024. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  37. ^ "NZ Navy ship runs aground off Samoa". RNZ. 5 October 2024. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  38. ^ Mercogliano, Sal (7 October 2024). "The Royal New Zealand Navy's HMNZS Manawanui, Grounded, Then Sank Off the Coast of Samoa". Youtube. What is Going on With Shipping?. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  39. ^ Howie, Cherie (6 October 2024). "Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui runs aground near Samoa". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  40. ^ "Stricken Navy ship on fire, plumes of black smoke seen on Samoa reef". The New Zealand Herald. 5 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  41. ^ Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi (6 October 2024). "NZ navy ship sinks, oil smell fills village air". Samoa Observer. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  42. ^ Charlotte Graham-McClay (7 October 2024). "Samoa warns of 'highly probable' fuel spill after New Zealand navy ship caught fire and sank". Associated Press. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  43. ^ a b "Captain's decision to abandon HMNZS Manawanui 'saved lives' – Navy Chief". 1News. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  44. ^ "Locals fear damage, report smell after HMNZS Manawanui sinking". RNZ. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  45. ^ "New Zealand loses first naval ship since WWII; vessel threatening oil spill off Samoan coast". CNN. 7 October 2024.
  46. ^ "'Small' oil leaks detected in Samoa after NZ navy shipwreck". France 24. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  47. ^ Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong (8 October 2024). "Oil on the ocean: Ecological disaster looms". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  48. ^ "Navy dispels concerns HMNZS Manawanui is leaking oil". RNZ. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  49. ^ Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong (11 October 2024). "Manawanui sinking: Fish covered in oil, huge leak confirmed". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  50. ^ "Manawanui: 200,000 litres of diesel has leaked from wreck, says Samoan authorities". RNZ. 12 October 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  51. ^ "HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa". www.nzdf.mil.nz. New Zealand Defence Force. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  52. ^ a b Duff, Michelle; Tupufia, Lanuola (18 October 2024). "A sunken timebomb? Samoa fears long-lasting damage from wrecked New Zealand navy ship". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  53. ^ Leiataua, Susana (15 October 2024). "Manawanui sinking: Salvage process begins as diesel continues to leak from wreck". RNZ. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  54. ^ "Containers to be removed from reef after HMNZS Manawanui sinking". New Zealand Defence Force. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  55. ^ Block, George (17 October 2024). "HMNZS Manawanui: Navigation record book, expected to become crucial inquiry evidence, found by British warship searching debris". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  56. ^ "Manawanui clean-up on hold for Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting". RNZ. 19 October 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  57. ^ Sanerivi, Sialai Sarafina (19 October 2024). "Manawanui operations halted". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  58. ^ Sanerivi, Sialai Sarafina (20 October 2024). "Manawanui sinking: One container removed, two more to go". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  59. ^ Lei'ataua, Susana (20 October 2024). "HMNZS Manawanui: 'Challenging' salvage efforts underway after Navy ship sank". RNZ. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  60. ^ "Two containers successfully removed from reef after HMNZS Manawanui sinking". New Zealand Defence Force. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  61. ^ "Final container removed from reef after Manawanui sinking". 1 News. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  62. ^ a b "Manawanui: No timeline for fuel tank removal, Defence Force says". RNZ. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  63. ^ a b Rovoi, Christine (24 October 2024). "HMNZS Manawanui: Containers removed as oil spill cleanup put on hold due to CHOGM". Pacific Media Network. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  64. ^ "Sexism and Homophobia Can't Diminish Commander Gray's Heroic Actions". Gay Express. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  65. ^ "Watch: Judith Collins faces questions amid conflicting reports about Manawanui leak". RNZ. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  66. ^ McKay, Ben (10 October 2024). "Female captain of NZ ship that sank subjected to vicious online abuse". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  67. ^ Glenn McConnell (6 October 2024). "Evacuation of Manawanui after Samoa grounding 'saved lives', says navy chief". Stuff. Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  68. ^ "Manawanui was 'in a maintenance period' before being deployed – NZDF". RNZ. 8 October 2024.
  69. ^ "Australian Officer joins HMNZS Manawanui Court of Inquiry". Australian Defence Magazine. 10 October 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.

Works consulted

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