One year on from the grounding and sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off Upolu’s south coast, New Zealand has paid $6 million in compensation to Samoa.
According to RNZ, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the payment, equivalent to 10 million Samoan tālā, followed a formal request from the Samoan government and was made “in full and in good faith.”
“We have always said we will do the right thing,” Peters said.
“We recognise the impact the sinking has had on local communities and acknowledge the disruption it caused.”
Local village elders told RNZ Pacific that the once-rich fishing grounds were destroyed and called for the wreck to be removed.
Peters said both governments are continuing to coordinate on the vessel’s future, focusing on limiting environmental harm and supporting Samoa’s recovery efforts.
An official inquiry released earlier this year found the ship was not suited for its mission and that the crew lacked sufficient training.
All 75 passengers and crew survived, and a separate investigation into possible disciplinary action is nearing completion.
Captain Rodger Ward, who oversaw the response, said significant progress has been made to mitigate the sinking’s impact.
Shipping containers have been cleared, and fuel, pollutants, weapons, ammunition, and other debris have been removed.
“Our priority has always been to minimise environmental impact and support Samoa in its response.”
“Further work remains, including an independent wreck assessment and environmental studies, which will guide decisions about next steps,” Ward was quoted in RNZ.
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