The HMNZS Manawanui of the Royal New Zealand Navy sank in the Pacific Ocean after colliding with a reef near Samoa’s Upolu Island.
Initially, the vessel caught fire before ultimately capsizing.
All 75 crew members were safely rescued, although three had to be hospitalized.
At the time of the incident, the ship was conducting a survey mission. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
Due to the extent of the damage, salvaging the vessel, which was purchased for $63.4 million in 2018, appears unlikely. This has been described as a “terrible day” for New Zealand’s Defense Force.