Seven sailors have been suspended without pay following an incident involving the Republic of Fiji Navy’s new vessel, RFNS Timo, on December 19. This was confirmed by Commodore Humphrey Tawake, as investigations into the incident are still underway.
The RFNS Timo, a recent gift from the Australian government, incurred minor damage to its stern while docking at the Walu Bay Navy Pier. The vessel was being brought in from Australia to replace the decommissioned RFNS Puamau, which had run aground in June. During the docking, gusty winds and limited space due to other commercial vessels contributed to the mishap, resulting in damage to the ship above the waterline.
Reports have emerged that some sailors may have been intoxicated at the time of the incident. Commodore Tawake stated that the affected sailors will remain part of the force but will be suspended until the investigation concludes.
Additionally, Tawake mentioned that they are working on disposing of the RFNS Puamau and that the court martial process for those involved in the incident is set to begin this month.
In a positive light, the swift action taken by the Navy leadership demonstrates a commitment to accountability and safety within the force. Although this incident is unfortunate, it can serve as a learning experience for all personnel to improve operational procedures in the future.
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