Fed: Navy says it's learnt a lot from tragedy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2003
Fed: Navy says it's learnt a lot from tragedy

SYDNEY, Dec 19 AAP - The Royal Australian Navy today said it had learnt a lot from
the tragedy on board the HMAS Westralia five years ago which killed four sailors.

Senior naval officer, Commodore Michael Deeks, said the Navy profoundly regretted the
loss of the four lives when fire engulfed the engine room of the vessel off Perth.

It was Australia's worst peace-time naval disaster since the 1964 Voyager incident,
when a collision between two navy ships resulted in the loss of 82 lives.

West Australian coroner Alastair Hope today cleared the navy of any cover-up over the
tragedy but said "gross mistakes" were made in not assessing flexible fuel hoses that
had been fitted prior to the fire, and which have been blamed for causing it.

"The Navy has learnt a lot from this tragedy and has taken extensive measures since
the fire to reduce the chances of this type of tragic accident happening again," Commodore
Deeks said in a statement.

"This includes significant improvements to the navy's safety management systems, certification,
operations, training, education and equipment."

Petty Officer Shaun Smith, 29, from Perth, Leading Seaman Bradley Meek, 25, of Sydney,
Midshipman Megan Pelly, 22, of Dalby in Queensland, and Able Seaman Phillip Carroll, 23,
from Melbourne, were killed in the fireball.

Commodore Deeks said he hoped today's outcome would help the families of the four sailors.

"The Navy sincerely hopes that the coroner's findings may help the grieving families
and others affected by this tragedy to reach closure," he said.

AAP smb/nf/cbs/de

KEYWORD: WESTRALIA NAVY

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