Search for Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely Concludes

19 June 2010

After three and a half days of extensive air and sea searches for missing Royal Australian Navy sailor, LS Andrew Wakely, the search efforts have ceased.

Tongan authorities formally concluded the search at 6pm local time on 19 June 2010, after an intensive search by HMAS Warramunga, her Seahawk helicopter and local authorities failed to locate the missing sailor.

Leading Seaman Wakely was on shore leave from Warramunga when he went missing while swimming at Keleti Beach Resort, on the western side of Tonga on Wednesday morning.

As the search has now been concluded by Tongan authorities, Warramunga is resuming her passage to Hawaii. The Australian Maritime Surveillance Authority based in Tonga will continue to assist local authorities.

“The decision to leave Tonga is a most difficult one, as a member of our Navy family remains unaccounted for,” CMDR Bruce Legge, the Commanding Officer of Warramunga said.

“Our thoughts at this difficult time remain with Andrew’s family and friends.”

Leading Seaman Wakely’s family is being supported by the Navy and the Defence Community Organisation.

At this difficult time for them, Leading Seaman Wakely’s family has requested the media continue to respect their privacy.