New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Monday August 16, 2004

Accident On HMNZS Endeavour

An accident occurred onboard the HMNZS Endeavour today as she was conducting lifeboat drills alongside Fleet Base East in Sydney. The lifeboat, with 22 Sailors onboard, fell from the ship landing upside down in the water resulting in a number of injuries. The accident occurred at 12.50 pm (NZST).

Five sailors have been taken to a Sydney hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, with a further seven treated for lacerations at the Royal Australian Naval Hospital, HMAS Penguin. The remainder are back onboard Endeavour.

The lifeboat fell approximately 10m, striking the side of Endeavour before landing upside down in the water. An appropriate investigation to determine the cause of the accident will commence as early as possible. Lifeboat drills are conducted routinely on all New Zealand Naval vessels to ensure all personnel onboard are familiar with emergency procedures.

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