August 17, 2004

Update: Accident on HMNZS Endeavour

Updating HMNZS ENDEAVOUR's lifeboat drill accident yesterday morning is as follows:

As of midday today, four personnel remain in St Vincent's Hospital and two remain at the naval Hospital. It is expected that all but two will be released later today to Endeavour. All personnel involved in the accident are expected to make a full recovery.

A Court of Inquiry will be convened in Sydney tomorrow morning. The Court will consist of three RNZN Officers. Two NZ based Officers will depart NZ tonight. It is intended that Endeavour will remain alongside Fleet Base East for a few days while the Court of Inquiry is being conducted. Inspecting engineers in Sydney will assess the damage to the lifeboat.

Options to repair or replace the lifeboat will be investigated. Endeavour is still expected to deploy to South East Asia.

Commodore Jack Steer, Maritime Component Commander said today, "an accident such as this is something that no one likes to deal with. As military personnel, our sailors are however trained to cope with the very serious incidents and did so extremely well yesterday. The support received from the Royal Australian Navy and other Sydney authorities ensured that our people received the highest standard of care possible".

ENDS

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