Fijian Navy Ship, Bought With Australian Help, Runs Aground a Month Later

The RFNS Puamau, which has run aground on a reef near Fulaga Island. (Courtesy Fiji Ministry of Home Affairs)

The Republic of Fiji Navy Ship (RFNS) Puamau—gifted by the Australian government and commissioned just a month ago—has run aground on a reef near Fulaga Island.

A second patrol boat, RFNS Savenaca, was immediately sent to the scene, and all the crew was rescued.

A salvage operation is now underway, with around half the vessel submerged.

It was halfway through a two-week patrol exercise when it struck the reef on June 11. Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) personnel, assisted by the Australian Defence Force, rescued all crew members.

The purpose of the exercise was to ensure the vessel was ready for its first operational deployment after its recent commissioning.

The Australian government will bear the cost of salvage operations, according to Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji chief executive Joeli Cawaki.

Last week, the Fiji Navy said it had conducted three days of intensive damage control and “survival at sea” training as part of an on-the-water safety check programme, conducted by specialist crew, RFN Sea Training Group members, and an Australian Navy technical advisor.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai said in a statement that a Board of Inquiry (BOI) would be convened to investigate the incident.

“The decision to initiate this independent BOI stems from the significant monetary value of the affected platform, valued at around $20 million, and the recent commissioning of RFNS Puamau into the Fiji Navy Fleet within the last month,” he said.

“It is imperative for us to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability by thoroughly examining the mishap in terms of processes and procedures.”

The RFN said in a Facebook post that it was “cognizant of the feedback and views circulating in various media platforms and social media” and pledged that “the circumstances leading to this regrettable incident will be comprehensively investigated and necessary due process will be undertaken so an understanding can be achieved on what transpired and how it can be avoided.”

“We kindly seek your understanding and patience as we reaffirm our primary objectives: prioritizing safety, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the vessel’s safe recovery,” they added.

It described conditions in the Fulaga passage as “challenging” and said “thorough planning and proactive measures” were being taken alongside salvage experts.

Specialist equipment is being brought in from overseas and are expected to arrive by the weekend.

The RFN said it was “premature” to look for a cause.

“Details of the events that unfolded ... will be thoroughly examined as part of formal investigations,” the RFN said.

“The immediate focus for current operations is ... ensuring minimal impact to the environment, and safe recovery of the vessel by expert salvage operators.”