Inquiry Reveals Autopilot Error Led to NZ Navy Ship Sinking
Originally Published 1 year ago — by DW (English)
A New Zealand navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, sank after hitting a reef off Samoa due to a series of human errors, including failing to disengage autopilot. The crew misidentified the issue as a thruster control failure, leading the ship to accelerate towards the reef. All 75 crew members were rescued, and a separate disciplinary process will follow the court's findings. The ship was carrying 950 tons of diesel, with salvage operations planned to retrieve the fuel.