HMNZS Manawanui sinking. Image courtesy of Tom Udall The story On the evening of 5 October 2024, HMNZS Manawanui was conducting survey operations off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa. The conditions were far from benign. Winds were sitting at around 20–25 knots, the sea state was elevated, and the ship was operating in close proximity to a reef. This was routine work for the ship. The task was to collect hydrographic survey data in support of an upcoming international event