The wreck of HMNZS Manawanui, a Royal New Zealand Navy ship that sank off the coast of Upolu in October 2024, is under heightened surveillance by the Samoan government due to illegal diving activities. As the wreck poses significant risks to divers and small craft, the government has established a 300-metre exclusion zone around the site. This decision comes in light of reports of unauthorized entry and activities at the wreck, prompting a response from the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Three naval officers are currently facing a court martial for negligently causing the loss of the ship, an incident that has raised serious concerns about naval operational standards. The officers may face up to two years in prison if found guilty of the charges. The incident also resulted in a significant environmental disaster, with hundreds of thousands of litres of diesel and oil spilling into the ocean at the time of the sinking, prompting further regulatory scrutiny of maritime safety around wreck sites.

By increasing surveillance and enforcing a ban around the wreck, the Samoan government highlights its commitment to marine safety and environmental protection. MPAC's chair, Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, emphasized the importance of adhering to the Shipping Act's provisions to mitigate risks associated with interactions between humans and the marine environment. The move also serves as a reminder of the perils associated with illegal diving and the importance of respecting maritime boundaries for the safety of all.