(Not The Bee) Say it with me: DIVERSITY 👏 IS 👏 OUR 👏 STRENGTH 👏
The country of New Zealand lost its first navy vessel since World War II after the HMNZS Manawanui – a $100 million survey and dive vessel commissioned in 2018 – ran aground, burst into flames, and sank off the coast of Samoa.
🇳🇿 Video of the New Zealand Navy’s survey and salvage ship, HMNZS Manawanui, after running aground off Samoa.
She’s likely a total loss, leaving the Royal New Zealand Navy with just 5 fully operational ships.
📝 This is the first peacetime loss of a Royal New Zealand Navy… pic.twitter.com/1aSHr9f9wT
— Anonymous Patriot (@0331online) October 7, 2024
The commanding officer was Commander Yvonne Gray, a Brit who moved to New Zealand in 2012 and joined the NZ Navy after taking a vacation to the country with her lesbian wife. She had previously served with the British Navy since 1993.
From Captain Yvonne Gray’s bio on the navy website
“This was her first ship command in a naval career. She said her eyes lit up at the thought of taking command of Manawanui, which entered service with the Royal New Zealand Navy three years ago.
Diversity hire success story. pic.twitter.com/xLMuIuDMuW
— Crypto Mike👾 (@Crypt0_mike_) October 6, 2024
In 2022, Commander Gray said she wanted to further the capabilities of a ship that was still in its infancy.
Thankfully, after the crash, the entire crew was rescued overnight:
