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.
The charges, laid under the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971, allege that errors were made on the bridge, which led to the vessel grounding on a known navigational hazard southwest of Tafitoala village on Upolu Island, before catching fire and sinking. All 75 crew and passengers were evacuated….
New Zealand Naval Officers to Face Court Martial Over Ship Sinking
