THE NEW ZEALAND Defence Force has received an interim report about the reef-grounding and subsequent sinking of HMNZS Manawanui and hopes to release preliminary findings later this month.

Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding the Court of Inquiry had made good progress with its investigations, and was on track with interviews and evidence gathering: “I will now take the time required to review the interim report to gain an understanding of what the findings are at this point in proceedings.”

The interim report was directed to focus on what happened, while the final report – expected next February – will have the fuller context of why the incident occurred and lessons to be learnt.

“The interim report will also undergo an independent King’s Counsel legal review, and following that, we will look to release to the public later this month some of the key information about what happened,” Rear Admiral Golding said.

HMNZS Manawanui ran aground with 75 people on board in Samoa whilst conducting a hydrographic survey of a reef on Saturday 5 October. The ship sank on Sunday 6 October. 

Rear Admiral Golding acknowledged the level of public interest in the incident and said relevant information would be made public as soon as practical. NZDF is committed to conducting the inquiry as thoroughly and transparently as possible.

Separately, the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Air Marshal Tony Davies has awarded high-level commendations to those involved in the immediate response to the grounding and sinking.

CDF Commendations are normally awarded to past or present NZDF personnel for going above and beyond what is normally asked of them. In this case the four commendations were presented at a ceremony in Apia to a Samoan tour guide who paddled out to the ship in his kayak, the crew of one of the first vessels on the scene, a Royal Australian Navy officer who helped coordinate the response, and the Samoan Maritime Police. 

“I wish to convey my appreciation to all those involved in the response to the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui,” Air Marshal Davies said.  “We have awarded commendations to recognise the many and varied contributions made by numerous people in the immediate response. These efforts are very much appreciated, and I would like to thank everyone on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force.”