NZ servicewomen face street harassment after their navy ship sank. Online trolls target the ship's captain, sparking concerns about gender-based attacks.
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New Zealand’s navy ship, HMNZS Manawanui, sank off the coast of Samoa. Now, some Kiwi servicewomen are facing abuse. Defence Minister Judith Collins said women in uniform are being harassed in the streets.
The ship sank on Sunday after losing power and hitting a reef during a survey mission in rough seas. Luckily, all 75 crew members were safely evacuated. This is New Zealand’s first navy loss since World War II.
The ship’s captain, Yvonne Gray, gave the order to evacuate. But since the disaster, Captain Gray has been attacked by online trolls. Some people are saying she got promoted because of her gender, not her skills. Minister Collins said this is a "deeply concerning" example of sexism. She called out one harsh critic from Melbourne.
“I’m shocked to hear that our women in uniform are being harassed because of this accident,” Collins said. She explained that the country's female leaders, like her, are chosen for their talent, not because they are women. New Zealand currently has a female Defence Minister, a female Chief of Army, and Captain Gray, the first woman to command a navy ship.
At a press conference on Thursday, Chief of the Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, stood with Collins. He called the online attacks “disgusting.” He said the abuse is hurting the people who serve in the navy and that it needs to stop.
The Shipwreck and Its Environmental Impact
After the ship sank, divers from New Zealand and Samoa found the wreck. It was sitting 30 meters underwater. Officials were worried about fuel and oil spilling into the ocean.
But Collins said the fuel tanks on the ship were not damaged. There were only small leaks from pipes, and they weren’t serious. Maritime New Zealand said that most of the leaked fuel would get washed out to sea within a day by the wind and waves.
Collins said the sinking is a very serious situation, but right now, things are going as well as they could hope. So far, no fuel has reached the beaches or reefs in Samoa.
Apology and Investigation
Some people in Samoa want an apology from New Zealand. Collins said she understands that everyone is upset, but she didn’t apologize. She explained that the navy has gone through a very hard time. Any decisions about apologies would come from the Prime Minister if needed.
New Zealand and Samoa have a difficult history. Samoa was under New Zealand’s control from 1914 to 1962, and New Zealand has been blamed for health outbreaks in Samoa in the past.
It is still unclear exactly why the Manawanui hit the reef and sank. A formal investigation is underway, led by Commodore Melissa Ross. The investigation will include three senior officers, one from Australia. An interim report will be ready by mid-November.
