Seven sailors involved in the docking incident of the new Republic of Fiji Navy vessel RFNS Timo, which occurred on December 19, have been suspended without pay. This information was confirmed by Commander of the Republic of Fiji Navy, Commodore Humphrey Tawake, who indicated that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The RFNS Timo, which was a gift from the Australian government, sustained minor damage to its stern during what was described as a challenging docking process at the Walu Bay Navy Pier. The vessel was being brought in from Australia to replace the $18 million RFNS Puamau, which was decommissioned after running aground in Fulaga waters in June of this year.
The damage to the RFNS Timo occurred during mooring operations, attributed to a combination of gusty winds and limited docking space, further complicated by the presence of commercial vessels in the vicinity. Some sailors are alleged to have been intoxicated at the time, prompting disciplinary actions against them.
Commodore Tawake stated that the disciplinary procedure has progressed, but the involved sailors remain members of the force while their suspensions are in effect pending the outcome of the investigation. Plans are also underway to seek approval for the disposal of the damaged RFNS Puamau, with proceedings towards a court martial due to begin this month.
This situation, while serious, reflects the Navy’s commitment to accountability and transparency, ensuring that proper protocols are followed to maintain the integrity of the republic’s maritime operations. As investigations continue, there is potential for improvement in training and operational procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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