The vessel was midway through a two-week patrol tasking exercise when it struck the Fulaga Reef on Tuesday, 11 June. Photo: Facebook / The Pacific Newsroom
Fiji's military commander says an independent Board of Inquiry (BOI) will be convened to investigate the grounding of an Australian government gifted navy vessel in the Lau waters last week.
RFNS Puamau was commissioned last month with support from Australia through the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) and Vuvale Partnership.
The vessel was midway through a two-week patrol tasking exercise when it struck the Fulaga Reef on Tuesday, 11 June.
The Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) released a statement soon after, acknowledging the incident, saying "our focus remains on ensuring the safety of personnel and recovery of vessel".
Since then, the RFN, with the help of the Australian Defence Force, rescued all crew members and salvage operations are ongoing.
The Australian government is set to bear the cost of the salvage operations, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji chief executive Joeli Cawaki said, according to The Fiji Times' report.
"The decision to initiate this independent BOI stems from the significant monetary value of the affected platform, valued at around $20m, and the recent commissioning of RFNS Puamau into the Fiji Navy Fleet within the last month," Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai said in a statement on Monday.
"It is imperative for us to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability by thoroughly examining the mishap in terms of processes and procedures."
In an update on Thursday, the RFN had said the circumstances leading to the "regrettable incident" would be "comprehensively investigated", adding "necessary due process will be undertaken so an understanding can be achieved on what transpired and how it can be avoided".
Kalouniwai said the RFMF believes an independent BOI "will enhance the thoroughness and objectivity of the inquiry, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the incident".
"Our primary goal is to prevent similar occurrences in the future and uphold he highest standards of safety and operational excellence within the [Fiji Navy]."
The RFMF is to yet release details on the makeup of the BOI and further information on the investigation process.