Report on Fiji Naval ship 'Kiro' has been submitted to RFMF headquarters

Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has told parliament that the Board of Enquiry report on the Fiji Naval Ship - Kiro that ran aground at Cakauyawa Reef near Makuluva Island last year has been completed and submitted to the headquarters of the RFMF.

Kubuabola says the implementation of the Board’s recommendations is ongoing and subject for a review.

He has also said that there is no plan to table the report in parliament.

Kubuabola also told parliament that all hazardous materials and fuel has been removed and the ship will not be salvaged and there will be no effect on the environment.

Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka then asked what is the current strength of the Fiji Navy considering that the RFNS Kiro ran aground.

Kubuabola told parliament that there are 344 regular naval personal, 4 naval vessels of which only one is operational which is the RFNS Kula.

He says the RFNS Kikau is being taken to Australia this month for refit until December, the RFNS Lautoka is awaiting safety and structural survey next month while the RFNS Levuka is awaiting decommission because of its age.