Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy has received the interim report from the Court of Inquiry investigating the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa last month. 

The report is a significant step forward in the investigation which has garnered widespread public interest since the vessel ran aground on 6 October and subsequently sank the following day.

Rear Admiral Golding emphasised the Navy’s commitment to conducting the inquiry with the utmost thoroughness and transparency. 

“We are committed to conducting this inquiry as thoroughly and transparently as possible,” he said. “I am aware of the desire to have answers, and while the Court must work expeditiously, it is also vital to respect the process and carefully step our way through it.”

The interim report will focus on what occurred during the incident, with the final report set to provide a more comprehensive understanding of why the sinking happened and what lessons can be drawn from it. 

“I would like to thank those who have been a part of the Court of Inquiry process, including the inquiry members and witnesses. Your work will help inform the way forward and future lessons,” Golding added.

The final report is expected to be completed by the end of February 2025, after which it will undergo an independent legal review. 

Once that process is complete, key information is anticipated to be released to the public by late March. However, Golding noted that these dates are subject to change depending on the progress of the investigation.

The inquiry is focused on ensuring that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined, with an emphasis on preventing similar occurrences in the future.