Calls for UK’s Accountability in Manawanui Sinking Incident

A New Zealand law professor has urged consideration of the United Kingdom’s role regarding compensation for villagers affected by the sinking of the Manawanui. The incident occurred on October 6, 2024, when the New Zealand navy vessel struck the Tafitoala Reef off the south coast of Upolu, caught fire, and subsequently sank during a survey mission.

Former Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, confirmed that the Manawanui was conducting surveys in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), attended by King Charles, who was staying at a nearby resort. Following the incident, New Zealand’s government agreed to pay SAT$10 tala (approximately $NZ6 million) to Samoa as compensation for the damages incurred.

Professor Paul Myburgh from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has questioned whether the UK should also bear some responsibility for the incident. He noted that the Manawanui was called in specifically to survey the reef at the request of the UK government. This raises important ethical and legal considerations regarding the UK’s duty to the affected villagers.

“We know that it was basically called in aid to survey that reef by the UK government, so I would be interested to know what the UK government thinks its ethical and legal duty is towards those villagers,” Myburgh stated. He emphasized that if the UK had not made that request to the New Zealand navy, the incident might not have occurred.

Documents released under the Official Information Act revealed that Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally requested the compensation from the New Zealand government following the sinking. Pacific security expert Dr. Iati Iati from Victoria University echoed Professor Myburgh’s concerns, questioning whether New Zealand should be the sole nation responsible for the compensation.

Dr. Iati highlighted that the timing of the Manawanui’s sinking coincided with the CHOGM, suggesting that the incident drew significant attention, possibly exposing other stakeholders involved beyond New Zealand and Samoa.

The Manawanui remains lodged on the Tafitoala Reef, and Samoa’s Marine Pollution Advisory Committee is expected to release a wreck report in the coming month. Professor Myburgh expressed concerns regarding the ongoing environmental impact of the wreck. He noted that even with immediate dangers, such as fuel, being mitigated, the wreck continues to affect the local ecosystem.

“What is particularly concerning here is that the local villages are totally dependent on that area for their food and livelihoods. In that context, the payment of that amount should be seen as being very much on the lower end of the scale,” he stated.

The British High Commission and the UK’s Foreign Office have been contacted for comments regarding their potential involvement and responsibilities in this incident.