Commander Yvonne Gray’s swift decision-making has been credited with saving 75 lives when the navy ship she commanded, HMNZS Manawanui, was lost off the coast of Samoa on Saturday.
Gray, originally from Harrogate in the UK, has been in charge of the Manawanui since 2022, and her call to abandon ship came roughly an hour after the vessel became stuck on a reef off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa’s main island. Soon after the evacuation, the ship caught fire and ultimately sank.
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, commended Gray’s handling of the emergency, saying her actions in ordering the crew to abandon ship were crucial in preventing a potential tragedy. “She made the right call. It’s a testament to her experience and skill as a commander,” he said.
Despite praise from military leaders and the Defence Minister, Judith Collins, who described the evacuation as “something of a triumph, frankly,” Commander Gray has faced an onslaught of criticism on social media, with some users making cruel and disparaging comments about her being a woman and an openly lesbian leader. Detractors have gone as far as to label her a “diversity hire,” overlooking her decades of naval service and impeccable record.
Her colleagues and military officials strongly refuted these negative remarks, who highlight Gray’s extensive experience and qualifications. Commander Gray’s appointment is based on merit, not gender or sexual orientation, and her actions during the incident prove that she is a highly capable leader. Defence experts point out that the decision to abandon ship — one of the hardest a captain can make — was crucial to saving lives.
Gray’s appointment to the Manawanui in 2022 was her first command of a vessel, but she has a long and distinguished career. She began her naval journey in 1993 in the UK as a warfare officer and, after 19 years with the Royal Navy, moved to New Zealand in 2012 with her wife, inspired by her experiences visiting the country on holiday. Her professionalism and skills earned her respect and trust within the New Zealand Navy, leading to her position as the Manawanui’s captain.
Despite a thriving career in the Navy, it wasn’t Gray’s original plan. Holding a Bachelor of Education (Honours), she initially aimed to be a teacher. However, a shortage of teaching jobs in Yorkshire led her to consider other options. During her university holidays, she took a role leading outdoor activities at a Sea Cadet facility in the Lake District, where she encountered Navy personnel.
“There was something about their way of life that appealed to me,” she recalled. Initially, she considered serving for just eight years to save up £23,000 (NZ$49,000) and then open a restaurant. “I was really into cooking at the time,” she shared. But as time passed, she found that life in the Navy suited her far better. “I was really enjoying myself. I could see it was an organisation where I fitted well.”
After joining the New Zealand Navy, Gray served as the commanding officer of the Navy’s Mine Counter Measures Team before taking the helm of the Manawanui. Her decision to continue serving after moving to New Zealand is a reflection of her passion for her work and her commitment to the Navy.
The online backlash against her, rooted in sexist and homophobic prejudices, not only undermines her achievements but also disrespects the professionalism of those who serve in the armed forces. However, her supporters have rallied around her, emphasising that Gray’s focus was on the safety of her crew above all else — and that’s exactly what she delivered.
The crew of the Manawanui are expected to return to New Zealand today (Monday, 7 October), and Gray has been praised for her leadership in averting a potential disaster.
