The sinking of a Royal New Zealand Navy ship in the South Pacific had nothing to do with the fact that the British-born captain is a woman, the country’s defence minister said, criticising “armchair admirals” who are speculating on the causes of the disaster.

HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on a reef off the Samoan island of Upolu on Saturday in rough seas and strong winds. The next day, it caught fire and sank, becoming the first ship that New Zealand’s navy has lost at sea since the Second World War.

All 75 passengers and crew were evacuated onto lifeboats and rescued, although some were injured.

The captain, Yvonne Gray, who is originally from Harrogate, Yorkshire, previously served in the Royal Navy before moving to New Zealand with her wife after they fell in love with the country during a campervan trip.

Social media in New Zealand is rife with caustic comments about “diversity in action”, sexist remarks about “women drivers” and homophobic references to Commander Gray’s sexuality.