This life buoy and life jacket from our collection were recovered from the sunk Russian cruise liner MS Mikhail Leromontov.
The ship collided with rocks near Port Gore in the Marlborough Sounds on the evening of 16th February 1986. She carried 372 passengers and 348 crew.
The ship was badly torn on her port side with three gashes totalling almost 25m in length. Dozens of vessels came to her aid to help evacuate those on board. One fatality of a crew member occurred.
By 10.30pm, approximately five hours after running aground, Mikhail Lermontov sunk completely beneath the surface.
Naval vessels and personnel were involved with the rescue and salvage efforts of the ship. The life buoy was recovered by naval divers and it was kept at the Dive School before being donated to the museum.
The ship still rests where she sank and remains a popular dive site for scuba divers as an easily accessible ship wreck.
– Hannah Pym, Collections Assistant
More to explore.
Meet Jane
Jane – Communications and Engagement Manager
Clothing in the Collection
Collections Assistant Lori has been working hard on a project to rehouse the museum’s extensive clothing collection.
Meet Olivia
Olivia – Business Services Manager
Meet Jasmine
Jasmine – Museum Educator
Over Seas – Mā te Moana
This collection of objects from around the world represents some of the many unique global connections forged by the RNZN’s travels overseas.
Meet Paula
Paula – Museum Educator
New Collection Items – Autumn 2024
Uncovering the latest acquisitions to the collection.
Navigate with the Navy
Workshop to learn the basics of navigation with NZ Navy experts – next workshop November 2024.
Power of Protest Videos
Niuklia Fri Pasifik Documentary Clip 1 Niuklia Fri Pasifik documentary This 1988 film was made to record the long struggle of Pacific nations in trying to create a regional nuclear arms free zone. Courtesy of NZ On Screen – Iwi Whitiahua Close
Operation Science Exhibition
Operation Science showcased 56 science experiments designed and tested by 100+ students from Belmont Intermediate School.