New Zealand loses first naval ship to sea since World War 11.

The Royal New Zealand Navy has lost its first ship to the sea since World War Two, after one of its vessels ran aground off the coast of Samoa.

The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist diving and ocean imaging ship, came into trouble about one nautical mile from the island of Upolu on Saturday night local time, while conducting a survey of a reef.

It later caught fire before capsizing.  All 75 people on board were evacuated onto lifeboats and rescued early on Sunday, according to New Zealand’s Defence Force said in a statement.

New Zealand said the cause of the grounding was unknown and will be investigated. The incident occurred during a bout of rough and windy weather.

Military officials said rescuers “battled” currents and winds that pushed life rafts and sea boats towards the reefs..