RFNS Puamau was gifted from the Australian government to Fiji and commissioned last month. 3 May 2024 Photo: Facebook / Republic of Fiji Navy
The Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) says all crew is accounted for and no injuries were reported after a grounding incident at Fulaga Island.
The vessel is RFNS Puamau, which was gifted from the Australian government, and commissioned last month.
RFN said a second patrol boat, RFNS Savenaca, was immediately deployed with navy divers and navy engineers, and "is on scene currently conducting damage assessments and temporary fixes, while waiting on expert salvage operators to conduct recovery operations".
"All crew have been accounted for, with no injuries reported, and all safely evacuated to RFNS Savenaca."
It said it is too early to determine the details of what happened.
"The immediate focus for current operations is the safety of life, ensuring minimal impact to the environment, and safe recovery of the vessel by expert salvage operators.
"At present, it is premature to determine the details of the events that unfolded, and these matters will be thoroughly examined as part of formal investigations."
Last week, Fiji Navy said RFNS Puamau conducted three days of intensive damage control and survival at sea training as part of a sea safety check program.
"The sea safety check program was delivered by RFNS Puamau crew damage control instructors, RFN Sea Training Group members and the Australian Navy Technical Advisor.
"The exercise was conducted to ensure that RFNS Puamau was ready for its first operational deployment after recently being commissioned into the RFN.
"The conduct of regular exercises and assessments at sea are critical to ensure the ships company and the ship's operational capability and capacity are maintained and competent in conducting a wide range of maritime tasks."