PM awaits RFNS Timo damage report
RFNS Timo was a gift from the Australian government to replace the recently decommissioned $18 million RFNS Puamau.
Thursday 26 December 2024 | 10:34
Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua during the commissioning of the RFNS Timo. Photo: Pio Tikoduadua / Twitter
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is yet to be briefed about the damages sustained by Republic of Fiji Navy Squadron (RFNS) Timo the replacement vessel of the $18 Million RFNS Puamau that ran aground in Fulaga waters, Lau groups in June.
Sailors from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division were transporting the vessel to Fiji from Australia.
RFNS Timo was a gift from the Australian government to replace the recently decommissioned $18 million RFNS Puamau.
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“I heard, I have not been given the report under the minister responsible for the Navy,” Mr Rabuka said
“It could be an accident, it could be negligence, and this will come out after the initial investigation.”
Navy officers complete repairs (encircled in red) on the new RFNS Timo docked at the navy pier. Photo: Fiji Navy
Commander of the Republic of Fiji Navy, Commodore Humphrey Tawake, told this masthead that the incident was caused by a mix of high winds and constrained docking space, as well as limited clearance owing to commercial boats in the region.
Commodore Tawake would not rule out the likelihood of inappropriate behaviour in the event.
This masthead is aware that some crew members were apparently drunk during the incident.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
