NZ navy ship runs aground off Samoa, all 75 aboard safe

Several vessels responded and helped in rescuing the crew and passengers who had left the ship, Arndell said.

Those rescued "are being supported in Samoa or on supporting vessels", he said.

The New Zealand Defence Force had earlier said there were 78 passengers and crew aboard the ship.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed to help in the rescue.

Manawanui is used to conduct a range of specialist diving, salvage and survey tasks around New Zealand and across the South West Pacific.