Navy sea boat incident off Darwin

An investigation has begun following an incident involving a Royal Australian Navy sea boat off Darwin.

The rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) overturned as it was offloading passengers alongside the frigate HMAS Darwin.

The RHIB was in the process of transferring members of the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal, support staff and Defence Force personnel from the patrol boat HMAS Maitland.

All personnel were recovered from the water and some minor injuries were sustained. Four of them were taken to HMASDarwin with the remaining six being returned to HMAS Maitland.

Both ships have returned alongside to Darwin.

Two people were transferred to hospital as a precaution to be assessed by civilian medical authorities.

A RHIB is used widely across Navy to transfer personnel.  In this instance, the RHIB was capable of carrying up to 20 people.

Media Contact: Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664