The sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, a New Zealand Navy vessel, off the southern coast of Sāmoa, has raised significant concerns regarding safety protocols and crew training. An inquiry by the Court of Inquiry has preliminarily attributed the incident to human error, with concerns about the potential environmental impact due to the risk of leaking 950,000 liters of fuel.
Maritime historian Salvatore Mercogliano emphasized that numerous critical questions remain unanswered beyond the findings of human error. He pointed out issues such as training inadequacies, readiness, and the specific operational challenges posed by the Manawanui, which is a converted vessel with an unconventional azipod propulsion and steering system. These factors could contribute to complexities in vessel control, especially during operations like the coastline survey that preceded the sinking.
The inquiry confirmed that three individuals were present on the bridge when the vessel struck the reef, but it remains unclear who was in charge. Mercogliano stressed the need for clarity regarding the level of experience and training of the personnel on duty during the accident, as well as their familiarity with the autopilot system utilized.
During an interview, Mercogliano raised specific concerns about potential lapses in autopilot functionality and operational procedures. For instance, there was a misjudgment by the crew regarding vessel speed during attempted maneuvers, which inadvertently increased thrust instead of slowing the ship down. This highlights the importance of muscle memory and training in operating advanced autopilot systems, especially in high-stakes environments close to reefs.
Mercogliano has also consulted classification societies to determine if adequate training standards were met when the Royal New Zealand Navy acquired the vessel. He noted that the Navy did not receive the complete dynamic positioning system initially on the Manawanui, leading to further questions about operational uniformity among military vessels.
The interim report by Rear Admiral Garin Golding has brought attention to broader issues in maritime operations beyond just this incident. Mercogliano pointed out the universal challenges faced by navies, such as budget constraints and crew shortages, which can compromise safety during hazardous missions, like surveying operations in potentially risky waters.
As recovery efforts begin, with plans to extract fuel from the wreck site, the inquiry is ongoing and expected to conclude in February. A disciplinary process will follow. Mercogliano anticipates that Commander Yvonne Gray, the ship’s captain, will face accountability, reiterating that captains bear ultimate responsibility for their vessels’ operations and crew training. Although no casualties resulted from this incident, Mercogliano warned that previous shipping accidents have had tragic outcomes. He emphasized that lessons must be learned from such incidents to prevent future tragedies in maritime operations.
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