HMAS Maryborough out of action after fire

As reported earlier, HMAS Maryborough suffered an engine fire on 25 May – but details of the event were scant.

Defence today answered questions posed by CONTACT, to clarify just how serious the fire was.

A Defence spokesman said HMAS Maryborough experienced a fire on 25 May which, while limited to the engine room and extinguished by the crew without injury, was severe enough to require the patrol boat be towed back to Darwin.

“HMAS Maryborough was 38 nautical miles from Darwin at the time of the fire and was towed back to Darwin following the incident,” the Defence spokesman said.

“The ship is now docked while an assessment of the damage is conducted.

“The cause of the fire is also subject to an investigation and Navy awaits the formal report.

“Maryborough will be out of service until repairs are completed and a return-to-service date is subject to the damage assessment.

“Navy continues to meet its operational commitments through the use of other vessels.”

CAPTION: Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Maryborough at sea. Photo by Leading Seaman James Whittle.

 

Meanwhile, Navy’s capacity to patrol Australia’s maritime borders was bolstered last week with the delivery and naming of a second Cape-class patrol boat from WA shipbuilder Austal.

Australian Defence Vessel Cape Inscription was officially named in a ceremony at HMAS Stirling, WA on 6 June.

The two new boats are leased by the Commonwealth for use by the Royal Australian Navy.

The new Cape Class Patrol Boats will play a significant role with the capability that defends Australia’s maritime security interests as part of Operation RESOLUTE.

The Cape Class Patrol Boats are manned by two crews, ‘Port’ and ‘Starboard’, with one crew embarked and one disembarked at any given time.

The first in the class – Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Fourcroy – was delivered in April

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