Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has not yet received details regarding the damages sustained by the Republic of Fiji Navy Squadron’s vessel, RFNS Timo. This vessel is intended to replace the RFNS Puamau, which ran aground in the waters of Fulaga in June and was valued at $18 million.
The RFNS Timo was being transported to Fiji from Australia by sailors from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division and was donated by the Australian government following the decommissioning of the previous vessel.
Prime Minister Rabuka mentioned, “I heard, I have not been given the report under the minister responsible for the Navy.” He indicated that the specifics of the incident are still uncertain and suggested it could stem from either an accident or negligence, with clarity expected after an initial investigation.
Commander of the Republic of Fiji Navy, Commodore Humphrey Tawake, provided insights into the incident, attributing it to a combination of high winds, limited docking space, and commercial boats in the area. He did not discount the possibility of crew members being under the influence during the incident.
This situation highlights the need for thorough investigations to ensure the safety of naval operations and to determine the learning points to prevent future incidents. There is hope that these developments will lead to improved safety practices within the Navy, ultimately strengthening Fiji’s maritime capabilities.
In summary, while the circumstances surrounding the RFNS Timo’s incident are concerning, they present an opportunity for the Navy to enhance its operational protocols and ensure the safety and accountability of its crew members moving forward.
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