RFNS Puamau runs aground off Fulaga
“Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of all crew onboard and safely recovering the vessel,” Commodore Tawake said.
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | 09:05
RFNS Puamau ran aground on a reef off Fulaga Island in the Lau Group on June 10, 2024. Photo: Seafarers Facebook
Less than a month since it was commissioned, Fiji’s second guardian patrol boat, RFNS Puamau ran aground on a Fulaga reef on Monday morning.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division Commander, Commodore Humphrey Tawake confirmed the incident.
RFNS Puamau was midway through a two-week patrol tasking.
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Commodore Tawake said the 24-member crew were safe.
“Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of all crew onboard and safely recovering the vessel,” Commodore Tawake said.
“A crisis management team has been assembled to oversee the situation, with emergency support crews enroute and secondary support arrangements underway in collaboration with our partners.”
About the vessel
RFNS Puamau was acquired by the Australian government on behalf of the Government of Fiji. It is the second Guardian-class boat to be handed over to the Republic of Fiji Navy under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project.
The vessel has a steel hull, a length of 39.5 metres, an integrated stern launch and recovery system for use by a rigid inflatable boat. Missions will include maritime law enforcement, border patrol, and search and rescue.
It was commissioned at Stanley Brown Naval Base this year on May 18 by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
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