The HMNZS Manawanui sailed from Devonport for the Southwest Pacific on Sept. 28, and was scheduled for activities in the Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau and Niue. It was originally due to return to New Zealand Nov. 1.

(Reuters) - A Royal New Zealand navy vessel has run aground near the southern coast of Upolu in Samoa, the New Zealand Herald reported on Saturday, citing Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell. All 78 people on board the dive and survey vessel HMNZS Manawanui are in life rafts and accounted for, the newspaper said.