Sailors Suspended Without Pay

Seven sailors implicated in the docking incident of the Republic of Fiji Navy new vessel RFNS Timo on December 19 have been suspended without pay.

This was confirmed by Command­er Republic of Fiji Navy Commodore Humphrey Tawake yesterday as in­vestigations continue.

The RFNS Timo sustained minor damages to its stern following a docking incident while berthing at the Walu Bay Navy Pier on Thurs­day.

Sailors of the Republic of Fiji Mili­tary Forces Naval Division were bringing in the ship from Australia. RFNS Timo was another gift from the Australian government to re­place the recently decommissioned $18million RFNS Puamau, that ran aground in the Fulaga waters in June this year.

The new vessel sustained minor damages to its port-side stern above the waterline during med-mooring operations last Thursday.

Commander Republic of Fiji Navy Commodore Humphrey Tawake told the Fiji Sun that the incident was caused by a combination of gusty winds and confined docking space, with limited clearance due to commercial vessels in the area.

Some of the sailors were alleged to have been intoxicated while at work on the day of the incident.

“The disciplinary process has taken its course on those sailors involved and that is where we are while further investigations are on­going,” Commodore Tawake said.

“They are still members of the force but they have been disciplined with means of suspension until all the investigation process is com­pleted.”

Meanwhile, Commodore Tawake said they were in the process of get­ting the necessary approval for the disposing of RFNS Puamau that ran aground in the Lau waters.

He also confirmed that the process towards the court martial would be­gin this month.