Key Takeaways:
- The sinking of the New Zealand navy vessel Manawanui has raised questions about compensation for affected villagers in Samoa.
- A New Zealand law professor is calling for the United Kingdom’s role in the incident to be considered, as the vessel was surveying the area at the request of the UK government.
- The New Zealand government has paid $6 million in compensation to the Samoa government, but some experts believe this amount is insufficient and that the UK should also be held accountable.
- The wreck of the Manawanui remains on the Tafitoala Reef, posing an ongoing environmental risk to the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of nearby villagers.
Introduction to the Incident
The sinking of the New Zealand navy vessel Manawanui on October 6, 2024, has sparked a debate about compensation for the affected villagers in Samoa. The vessel was surveying the south coast of Upolu as part of security measures for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) and King Charles, who was staying at a nearby resort. The incident occurred when the vessel struck the Tafitoala reef, caught fire, and sank. The New Zealand government has since paid $6 million in compensation to the Samoa government, but some experts believe that this amount is insufficient and that the United Kingdom’s role in the incident should be taken into account.
The UK’s Role in the Incident
According to Professor Paul Myburgh from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the UK government had requested the New Zealand navy to survey the reef, which led to the sinking of the Manawanui. Myburgh argues that the UK government should be considered when it comes to compensation for the affected villagers, as their request led to the incident. "We know that it was, had basically been 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 said. This raises questions about the extent of the UK’s responsibility in the incident and whether they should be held accountable for the damages caused.
Compensation and Accountability
Pacific security expert Dr. Iati Iati from Victoria University has also questioned whether New Zealand should be the only country paying compensation for the sinking of Manawanui. Given that the incident occurred during the CHOGM meeting, it is possible that other actors were involved, and therefore, other countries should also be held accountable. The letters released under the Official Information Act (OIA) show that Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had requested SAT$10 tala (approximately NZ$6 million) from the New Zealand government following the sinking. However, some experts believe that this amount is insufficient, considering the ongoing environmental risks posed by the wreck and the impact on the livelihoods of the local villagers.
Environmental and Social Impacts
The wreck of the Manawanui remains on the Tafitoala Reef, posing an ongoing environmental risk to the local ecosystem. Professor Myburgh notes that even with the removal of immediate dangers, such as fuel, the wreck continues to impact the environment. The local villages are totally dependent on the area for their food and livelihoods, making the payment of $6 million seem like a low amount. The Samoa Marine Pollution Advisory Committee is expecting a wreck report in the coming month, which will likely provide more information on the extent of the environmental damage. The incident highlights the need for careful consideration of the potential risks and consequences of such operations, particularly in sensitive ecosystems.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The sinking of the Manawanui has raised important questions about compensation, accountability, and environmental responsibility. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential to consider the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved, including the UK government. The payment of $6 million by the New Zealand government is a step towards addressing the damages caused, but it may not be sufficient to fully compensate the affected villagers. Further action is needed to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that the environmental risks posed by the wreck are mitigated. The British High Commission and the UK’s Foreign Office have been approached for comment, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to the calls for accountability and compensation.
