The Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, announced that a court martial regarding the RFNS Puamau incident will commence shortly. This follows a Board of Inquiry (BOI) conducted by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which investigated the grounding of the Fiji Navy vessel on June 10 while approaching Fulaga Island.
The inquiry revealed that there were significant breaches in protocol, including negligence and a lack of adherence to standard navigation practices and mariner skills by the crew. In light of these findings, Mr. Tikoduadua confirmed that charges have been filed against individuals, who will soon face court proceedings. He also mentioned that the vessel RFNS Puamau will be decommissioned and subsequently scuttled.
This process represents a step towards accountability and safety within the Fiji Navy. Such measures could help foster a culture of responsibility and adherence to professional standards, which is essential for maintaining trust in the military’s operations.
In summary, the forthcoming court martial and the decision to decommission the vessel highlight the commitment to addressing negligence and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Leave a comment