New Zealand’s Defence Minister has condemned derogatory comments from critics, following the sinking of the nation’s naval ship, HMNZS Manawanui, which was under the command of a female captain.
The vessel ran aground near the Samoan island of Upolu while conducting a reef survey on Saturday night, leading to a fire and subsequent capsizing. All 75 crew members were safely evacuated and rescued early on Sunday by New Zealand’s Defence Force.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the incident and evaluate potential environmental impacts related to the wreck.
“A court of inquiry has been established to uncover the reasons behind this unfortunate event,” stated the Defence Minister. “It is already clear that the ship’s captain’s gender is not a factor.”
The Minister expressed her dismay at the online harassment from so-called “armchair admirals,” remarking on the lack of empathy displayed by those criticizing decisions made under extreme circumstances.
She highlighted a troubling trend of harassment faced by women in uniform, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable and does not align with New Zealand’s values.
The HMNZS Manawanui marks the first loss of a New Zealand naval ship since World War II. Reports indicate that the area where the ship ran aground has remained unsurveyed since 1987 and was subjected to rough weather conditions.
Recent updates from Samoa’s Marine Pollution Advisory Committee noted that while the ship is leaking oil from multiple points, there is currently no evidence of oil pollution on local shores. It is believed that most of the onboard fuel was consumed during the fire, and the oil observed in the water is dissipating rapidly.
New Zealand Defence Force officials confirmed that a specialized navy team has been deployed to manage potential beach contamination and to recover debris from the incident site. Additionally, divers from the Samoan government have reported damage to the reef where the incident occurred.
New Zealand has a longstanding commitment to gender equality, having been the first country to grant women the right to vote. However, the country continues to grapple with gender-based discrimination, as highlighted by the experiences of its recent female leadership. Currently, women make up around 20% of New Zealand’s defence personnel.
