All 75 people on board evacuated to safety as the boat foundered about 1.6km (one mile) off the coast of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island, before it caught fire and sank.

The wreck of HMNZS Manawanui remains at the site of the sinking on October 6, last year, and a decision about whether it will remain there has not been made.

The vessel sank due to failings of the crew and ship, an official inquiry found. The ship’s crew did not realise the vessel was on autopilot and believed something else had gone wrong as it ploughed towards the reef, according to a report that highlighted the lack of training, qualifications and experience among those on board.

“We have responded to the Government of Samoa’s request in full and with good faith,” Peters said in a statement. “We have always said we will do the right thing.”