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Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F111)

Photo By OR-8 Helen Frank | Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F111) assists a vessel in distress...... read more read more

FORD ISLAND, HAWAII, UNITED STATES

07.29.2026

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet

HAWAII -- Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F111) engaging in RIMPAC activities, conducting an over patrol in the Kaiwi Channel between O'ahu and Moloka'i on July 25, 2026. Sea conditions were between states of three and four. Under those conditions, wind speed could measure between 7 and 21 knots and wave height between 2 and 8 feet. Four miles away, an outrigger sailing canoe with six personnel on board, hailed Te Mana's bridge team via very high frequency marine radio.

Many Te Mana crew members were conducting an afternoon physical training session on the flight deck. The general alarm sounded; all participants stopped, and crew were directed to approach the distressed vessel. Sea boats, line handlers, extra hands, and the Ship Medical Emergency Team (SMET) were required to stand by. Te Mana made full preparations to respond to the incident and complete material arrangements to receive the six personnel onboard.

"The canoe was in significant distress with broken mast fittings and having taken on water," said Royal New Zealand Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Tisdall, Executive Officer, HMNZS Te Mana. "The vessel observed the Te Mana passing west of their position and hailed us as 'Battleship', stating they were in a Mayday situation. Te Mana was able to respond quickly, localize their position and maneuver to provide support."

Upon arrival, there was a private vessel already in attendance supporting the crew of the stricken outrigger canoe. Te Mana remained on station for close to two hours, ensuring the safe transfer of all personnel from the canoe to a private vessel in attendance. United States Coast Guard airborne assets were on scene to assume responsibility and overwatch of the incident. USCG assets included a C-130 search and rescue plane and MH-65 short-range rescue helicopter.

"No injuries were reported, from initial notification of the event to having a sea boat in the water and closing into the stricken canoe occurred in approximately 15 minutes. A fast, professional and effective response from Te Mana crew," reported Tisdall.

Te Mana, prior to departure from New Zealand, conducted a drill hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy Maritime Training Group. The drill closely tested the ship's ability to fight conventional maritime warfare principles, defeat asymmetric threats, and examined responses to search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events.

Tisdall concludes, "I am extremely happy at the outcome from Saturday's incident. Conditions were testing, and the situation had the potential to be a lot worse for those involved. All personnel on the stricken vessel were accounted for. Te Mana's overall response was dynamic and effective, reflecting a well-trained team. The natural expectation is for US assets to respond within US Territorial Seas. Herein lies a great reminder that all RIMPAC partner nations are prepared and responsive to maritime emergencies, irrespective of who or where people are impacted; a timely response from RIMPAC partners will always respond and assist those in need."

HMNZS Te Mana (F111) returned to continue participating in the RIMPAC exercise.

Thirty nations, 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and more than 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971.