Seven sailors from the Republic of Fiji Navy have been suspended without pay following an incident involving the newly acquired vessel, RFNS Timo, on December 19. This decision was confirmed by Commodore Humphrey Tawake, as investigations into the event are ongoing.
The RFNS Timo, which recently arrived from Australia, suffered minor damage to its stern while docking at the Walu Bay Navy Pier. This vessel was a replacement for the decommissioned RFNS Puamau, which ran aground in June.
The damage occurred during mooring efforts exacerbated by strong winds and limited docking space due to the presence of commercial vessels nearby. There are allegations that some crew members may have been intoxicated while operating the ship on that day.
Commodore Tawake stated that while the involved sailors remain members of the Navy, they face suspension as a disciplinary measure until investigations are complete. Additionally, he mentioned that steps are being taken to dispose of the decommissioned RFNS Puamau and that preparations for a court martial would commence soon.
This situation underscores the importance of accountability and safety measures within military operations. As the investigations progress, there is hope that this incident will lead to enhanced training and protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future, fostering a culture of responsibility within the naval forces.
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