Introduction

In a fervent response to recent online criticism, New Zealand's Defense Minister Judith Collins condemned the "vile" and "misogynistic" remarks aimed at Commander Yvonne Gray, the captain of a navy ship that sank near Samoa. Collins expressed disbelief that such comments were still prevalent in 2024, questioning, "What the hell’s going on here?"

The Incident

The tension arose after the navy vessel, part of New Zealand's fleet, encountered troubles while surveying a reef, ultimately running aground, catching fire, and sinking. Fortunately, all 75 crew members onboard were able to evacuate safely, with only minor injuries reported. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the exact cause remains unknown.

Defense Minister's Remarks

Collins emphasized that the leadership of Commander Gray, who boasts 30 years of naval experience, played a crucial role in ensuring the crew's safety during the emergency. "The one thing that we already know did not cause it is the gender of the ship’s captain," she stated firmly.

Public Criticism and Defense of Commander Gray

Adding fuel to the fire, a particularly disparaging comment was made by a truck driver from Melbourne, Australia. Collins stated, “I think that he should keep his comments to people who drive trucks rather than people who drive ships,” advocating for a halt to such toxic behavior.

Highlighting Gender Progress in the Military

Highlighting the progress of women in the military, Collins pointed out that about 20% of New Zealand’s uniformed military personnel are women. She noted her position as New Zealand's first female Defense Minister and expressed solidarity with Gray and Major General Rose King, the country’s first female army chief, who took her post in June.

Environmental Concerns

The sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui also raised environmental concerns, prompting fears of a significant fuel spill. Officials reported that while the ship was leaking oil from multiple locations, the situation was improving due to strong winds in the area. Reports indicated that most of the vessel’s fuel had likely burned during the fire.

Military Inquiry and Ship Details

As a precaution, a military court of inquiry has been ordered by the government, which will be led by senior military officers. This inquiry aims to get to the bottom of the incident and is scheduled to convene for the first time on Friday.

Regarding the ship itself, the HMNZS Manawanui had been serving New Zealand since 2019 but was originally built over two decades ago in Norway. It cost the New Zealand government approximately NZD 100 million ($61 million) but was not insured for replacement.

Military Readiness Concerns

With growing concerns about the state of New Zealand’s aging military fleet, officials have flagged the navy's vulnerability, citing a lack of sufficient personnel to maintain operational ships. Currently, out of the navy's remaining eight ships, only five are in active service, a worrying sign for the nation’s defense capabilities.

Conclusion

In a world where gender equality is increasingly prioritized, Collins' remarks and the circumstances surrounding this incident serve to highlight the challenges women continue to face within traditionally male-dominated industries like the military.