Navy Sailor Missing Presumed Drowned in Tonga

16 June 2010

The Royal Australian Navy regrets to advise that a member of the ships company of HMAS Warramunga is missing presumed drowned whilst swimming in Tonga.

At approximately 1042 hrs today, the 16 Jun 10, a ship’s officer notified senior authorities that a fellow crew member had possibly drowned at a beach on the western side of Tonga.

HMAS Warramunga was conducting a scheduled Port Visit to Nuku’Alofa, Tonga at the time of the incident.

The ships helicopter, a Seahawk, was launched in an attempt to locate the missing member. The search continued until dark without success and will resume tomorrow with support from the Tongan Defence Services at first light.

A full investigation into the incident will be conducted.

The sailor’s family has been contacted and will be provided support by Navy and the Defence Community Organisation.