Group seeks all those who sailed in 1973 frigates to Mururoa
The Mururoa Nuclear Veterans Group Inc is searching for all those who sailed to Mururoa Atoll in 1973 aboard the frigates HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Otago.
The veterans took part in the Labour Government’s protest against French nuclear testing in the Pacific and witnessed atmospheric testing.
The group, formed in 2013 and registered as a Legal Society, is monitoring the medical conditions that have affected not only the personnel aboard the Otago and Canterbury but also of their children and grandchildren.
President of the MNVG Inc Mr Wayne O’Donnell says as there is no full list (Nominal Crew Lists) of the veterans who served at Mururoa aboard the two Frigates, the group is seeking the public’s help.
“Unfortunately over the years contact has been lost with the widows and children of those who have ‘crossed the bar’ and we need to make contact with these people so they can be informed of any findings. We also need to record any medical issues suffered by the Generational Children of the Nuclear Veterans”
The group is currently establishing a trust fund to enable the medical testing of the veterans’ children and grandchildren.
“It is hoped the results will establish the truth of the genetic transfer of illnesses related to the nuclear exposure encountered by the crews that were sent to Mururoa Atoll in 1973,” says Mr O’Donnell.
“The group recently met with the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Craig Foss to update him on moves to collect information on health issues that are being suffered by the children and grandchildren. We welcome his assurances that he will fully consider the information when it is provided.”
Anyone with
information should
email
admin@mururoavets.org.nz.
Mururoa Nuclear
Veterans Group Inc Website for information and
Support:
www.mururoavets.org.nz