New Zealand Naval Officers to Face Court Martial Over Ship Sinking

The HMNZS Manawanui hit a reef and sank off Samoa in October 2024. The NZ Defence Force is to try three officers for their role in the incident.
New Zealand Naval Officers to Face Court Martial Over Ship Sinking
HMNZS Manawanui enters with the fleet into the harbour in Auckland, New Zealand, on Nov. 16, 2016. Dave Rowland/Getty Images
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Three New Zealand Navy officers are to face a court-martial over their part in the grounding and subsequent sinking of a navy ship near Samoa in October 2024.

They are the ship’s captain, Commander Yvonne Gray, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Gajzago and an unnamed third officer. The ship that sunk was the HMNZS Manawanui. Pleas have not yet been entered, although Gray has indicated through her lawyer that she will plead not guilty and is not making any further statement as the matter is before the courts.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
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Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.