New Zealand naval vessel runs aground near Samoa - reports

(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.

An Air Force P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane has been sent to assist the rescue operation, according to New Zealand news website Stuff.

The incident occurred as the vessel was conducting a reef survey, according to the website.

The New Zealand Defence Force has been approached for comment.

(Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Mike Harrison)