The grounding of the Manahau barge at Westport has sparked serious safety concerns, as Maritime Union officials claim that the incident could have led to a tragic disaster. Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary, Carl Findlay, voiced alarm over the handling of the situation, citing significant barriers preventing crew members from accessing union representation and support. 

“The grounding of the Manahau could have resulted in the loss of life and the loss of the ship if it had come ashore anywhere else on the West Coast,” said Findlay. He emphasized that despite numerous efforts, communication with the Indonesian and Myanmar crew aboard the vessel has proven exceedingly difficult. In response to these challenges, the Union is pursuing legal action. 

Findlay recounted an alarming incident where a pre-arranged meeting between a Union lawyer and officials was interrupted, as a company representative drove off with crew members, further obstructing necessary support. He criticized the operator, WMS, stating, “We are extremely concerned about the attitude of WMS and its approach to the rights of crew and the legitimate public interest in this debacle.”

Calls for intervention from regulatory authorities have grown louder, as Findlay indicated that the situation seems to be under the control of the private company responsible for the grounding. He asserted that authorities need to take a more prominent role in this matter, especially given the potential safety risks associated with the barge.

The Maritime Union, affiliated with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), represents over one million seafarers across 106 countries. Union officials hold a mandate to act as inspectors aboard ships, emphasising the need for independent representation for the crew of the Manahau. 

Concerns have been raised regarding the seaworthiness of the 97.53-metre, 3706-GT self-powered barge, which has only recently entered service in August 2024, transporting mineral sands out of the shallow draught port of Westport. Reports from experienced maritime professionals suggest that the vessel is underpowered for the rugged West Coast environment, with warnings that a well-informed New Zealand crew with local knowledge would likely not have chosen to anchor in Buller Bay during forecasted bad weather. 

Worse still, Findlay highlighted that the Manahau, flagged to Niue and crewed by foreign nationals, has been receiving taxpayer funding intended for New Zealand coastal shipping. “There were undertakings made by the Government and the company to create seafarer jobs, but instead, we see a cynical exploitation of loopholes,” he noted.

Findlay called for a reevaluation of New Zealand’s approach to coastal shipping, emphasising the importance of fostering a fleet that is New Zealand owned, operated, and crewed, adhering to high-quality standards. His comments echoed a tragic chapter in New Zealand’s maritime history, recalling the 1966 sinking of the collier Kaitawa near Cape Reinga, which claimed the lives of all 29 crew members. 

“We do not want to see a similar situation unfold and believe the Manahau should be removed from service pending a full investigation into its suitability,” he asserted.

As the debate continues, pressure mounts on both the operator WMS and governmental authorities to ensure maritime safety regulations are upheld and that crew members receive the support they deserve. The grounding incident remains under scrutiny, with the well-being of those aboard the Manahau and the integrity of New Zealand’s coastal shipping practices hanging in the balance.