Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has not yet received a full briefing regarding the damages incurred by the Republic of Fiji Navy Squadron’s RFNS Timo. This vessel is intended to replace the $18 million RFNS Puamau, which recently ran aground in the waters near Fulaga in June.
The RFNS Timo was being transported to Fiji from Australia by sailors from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division. The vessel was a generous gift from the Australian government as a replacement for the decommissioned RFNS Puamau.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged that he had not received a detailed report from the minister responsible for the Navy. “It could be an accident, it could be negligence, and this will come out after the initial investigation,” he stated.
Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Navy, explained that the grounding incident was influenced by a combination of high winds, limited docking space, and the presence of commercial boats nearby which restricted clearance. He also noted that there might have been inappropriate behaviour involved, as some crew members were reportedly intoxicated during the incident.
This situation highlights the need for careful navigation and appropriate conduct among crew members to ensure maritime safety. While the investigation continues, it is hoped that measures will be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring the well-being of personnel and the integrity of naval assets.
Overall, while the event is unfortunate, it presents an opportunity for the Navy to reassess protocols and training to enhance safety and operational efficiency moving forward.
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