KEY POINTS:
The family of a navy seaman who drowned in October during routine drills on HMNZS Canterbury hope the review of the ship requested by Defence Minister Phil Goff prevents other families suffering the trauma they have.
Safety concerns prompted Mr Goff to ask for a review into the
acquisition and introduction of the Canterbury and to provide design assurance.
On July 10 the ship lost a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) at sea, and then on October 5 Able Seaman Byron James Solomon, 22, drowned when trapped under a capsized RHIB.
A report released today of the navy court of inquiry into the July 10 loss of the RHIB highlighted a shortcoming in the design of the RHIB alcove and other operational issues.
"The results of the first court of inquiry into the loss of the ship's port RHIB indicate there are concerns with the ship which may warrant further investigation," the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said today.
"However, I am confident there are no issues with the Canterbury that cannot be corrected."
A senior naval officer met with AB Solomon's parents yesterday to discuss the findings of the court of inquiry into his death and the Solomon and Carkeek family issued a statement today.
"We are grateful to the Navy for keeping us in the loop and briefing us at every opportunity in all aspects surrounding Byron's tragic death," the statement said.
Byron's father Bill Solomon said the family understood there were some issues regarding equipment used on the Canterbury and that the Navy was keen to further investigate to see whether they have the safest option available.
"This process is critical as conditions are dangerous enough for servicemen and women without the added concern of sub-standard equipment or design," he said.
"We applaud Mr Goff's comments that `safety must always be the first priority' and we await with interest the results of the review he has requested.
"It is our great hope that if any changes to current policies and procedures are recommended that they be implemented as soon as possible to prevent other families going through the same trauma we have since that dreadful day in October," he said.
"The question of whether or not Byron's death was avoidable will bee answered with the fullness of time. For the moment, however, we look to each other and friends for support as we face the first Christmas without a much loved son and brother."
Lt Gen Mateparae said safety was the navy's first priority and the review would provide greater certainty and confidence about the Canterbury's design and performance.
Mr Goff said yesterday the design shortcoming issues highlighted in the court of inquiry into the July incident had been taken up with the shipbuilder Tenix.
The court of inquiry into the circumstances leading to AB Solomon's death is due to report in the New Year.
"I am advised that the proximate cause was the failure of a quick release shackle and that the shackle is being replaced on all naval vessels," Mr Goff said.
"This issue appears unrelated to the issues raised in the first court of inquiry. The second court of inquiry will, however, report on whether other design or procedural factors contributed to the accident."
Mr Goff said he was assured by the Chief of Navy, the Maritime Component Commander and the ship's captain that they all had confidence in the ship and regarded it as a great asset for the navy.
The terms of reference and announcement on who will do the review were expected to be released early next year.
The Canterbury is currently at the Devonport Naval Base for the Christmas break.
- NZPA
