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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 23, 2012 8:37:25 GMT 12
www.stuff.co.nz/national/7158062/NZ-Defence-Force-sailor-dies-in-accident NZ Defence Force sailor dies in accident A New Zealand Defence Force sailor has died in an accident in Rarotonga. The accident happened yesterday, but the defence force has not yet released details of what happened. Maritime Component Commander Commodore John Martin said, "We are saddened by this loss and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of the sailor." "Next of kin are in the process of being informed and our priority is to provide comfort and support to the family and shipmates" he said. The sailor was serving on the HMNZS OTAGO which is currently in the Pacific conducting maritime patrols. The NZDF have not yet released the name of the sailor as they continue to inform the wider family. - © Fairfax NZ News
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Post by meo4 on Jun 23, 2012 13:48:34 GMT 12
Killed NZ Defence Force sailor named
Last updated 10:46 23/06/2012
The New Zealand Defence Force has named the sailor who died in a crash in Rarotonga.
He was Able Seaman Combat Specialist William Paratini Delamere, aged 22.
Delamere was killed in a motor scooter accident while on leave about 12.45am on Friday (local time).
He was serving on the HMNZS Otago, which is currently in the Pacific conducting maritime patrols.
In a statement, the defence force said the crash happened next to the ship's berth. Personnel from Otago responded with first aid and took Delamere to Rarotonga Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just under an hour later.
It is not known what caused the crash, or whether anyone else was involved.
An investigation into the event is being conducted by local police.
Maritime Component Commander Commodore John Martin said: "We are saddened by this loss and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Able Seaman William Delamere."
"Next of kin have been informed and our priority is to provide comfort and support to the family and shipmates.
"This is a sad day and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, especially the Navy, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of William."
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has also extended his sympathies.
"Able Seaman Delamere was a member of the crew of HMNZS Otago as it took me and my party to the atolls of Tokelau earlier this month," he said.
"They also represented the Royal New Zealand Navy at the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of Samoa, where they participated in an official march past of New Zealand Defence Force personnel.
"[His] death is a tragic loss for the crew of HMNZS Otago. He was a member of a tight-knit, hard-working and highly-skilled team and his death will be sorely felt by them all.
"On behalf of all New Zealanders, my wife Janine and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and mates-in-arms of Able Seaman Delamere as they come to terms with their loss."
The immediate families of all sailors involved have been notified and the defence force said it was providing assistance to them.
RIP ASCS Willy Delamare
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 23, 2012 14:46:58 GMT 12
That's realy tragic. So sad. I seem to recall the RNZAF also lost a young member to a motor scooter accident while on leave overseas too. Very sad in both cases.  |
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Post by Marcus on Jun 24, 2012 14:09:48 GMT 12
My daughter was on duty when the accident happened about a 100m from the ship. I had been chatting to her 20 minutes before the incident. She was one of the first crew members on the scene. She is not taking it well as the crew had grown into a positive, well trained, collegial group during the past few months.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 24, 2012 14:33:43 GMT 12
That's very sad Marcus.
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