Royal launch partially sunk after hitting rocks
- Thu, 9 Feb 2012
Tweet
Embarrassing
questions are being asked after a 14m naval VIP launch used by both HM The
Queen and HRH Prince Philip crashed into rocks in New Zealand. An 18in hole was
torn in the hull of the launch when it struck Red Rocks Reef near Whangarei,
leaving it with its bows underwater.
Its four crew members were safely transferred to a RIB which went to its aid, while the launch was stabilised and was later towed to Tutukaka harbour to be lifted ashore. The Royal New Zealand Navy has launched a full investigation to determine how the launch came to hit rocks which are clearly marked on the chart.
"I think it is an embarrassment for the navy, quite frankly", said Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman, "I want clear answers on why this happened". The launch is based at Devonport Naval Base where, in addition to carrying its royal passengers in 1990 and 2006, it has transported several visiting prime ministers and other senior politicians and diplomats.
See the video here
Have your say!
Latest comments
February 10 15:49
HRH
Sounds like you got out of bed on the wrong foot O'Leary!
February 10 16:29
Richard W
Looks like a cock-up to me!
February 10 18:16
Xavier
when i ordered "on the rocks", i didn't mean ... er...well. Embarrassing indeed.
February 11 13:43
Dave Holden
Just because of some spurious "regal" link we get to hear about this misadventure - surely there is something more "newsworthy"? I thought the country was going to the dogs - might be more useful to be informed about important issues.