BREAKING NEWS
New Zealand Pays Samoa Millions After Naval Ship Crash
Auckland, New Zealand - In a significant development, the New Zealand government has paid 10 million Samoan Tala (approximately NZD 6 million or USD 2.6 million) to Samoa as compensation for the grounding and sinking of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoan waters last year.
The payment was made at the request of the Samoan government, according to New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The incident occurred on January 1, 2022, when the naval ship ran aground while surveying a reef off the coast of Upolu island. All 75 crew members were successfully rescued as the vessel began listing.
The sinking of HMNZS Manawanui sparked concerns about oil leaks and potential harm to local marine wildlife. Reports emerged of sea turtles dying and oil slicks appearing on nearby beaches. While an investigation into the incident is ongoing, the payment is seen as a gesture of goodwill by New Zealand towards Samoa.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Peters acknowledged the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring countries. "We take our responsibilities to the Pacific seriously and are committed to working collaboratively with our partners in the region," he said.
The grounding of HMNZS Manawanui marked the first loss of a New Zealand naval ship at sea since World War Two. The incident has raised questions about maritime safety and the need for improved navigation systems.
As the two countries continue to work together on compensation and recovery efforts, attention is turning to the long-term implications of the incident. The payment is seen as a significant step towards healing relations between New Zealand and Samoa, but questions remain about the future of New Zealand's naval presence in the Pacific.
This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*
