Media Release

HMAS BRISBANE GUN TURRET FIRE

The Royal Australian Navy Guided Missile Destroyer HMAS Brisbane had a fire in its forward 5 inch gun turret at approximately 9.00 a.m. today while 200km south west of Darwin.

The fire was extinguished immediately and there were no injuries. Five crew members suffered minor smoke inhalation and were treated by the ship's medical staff.

The fire is believed to have resulted from a failure in a 5 inch cartridge case as it was being fired during an anti-aircraft firing practice against a towed target.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way, and the ship's engineering staff are assessing the extent of the damage and repair requirements for the gun mount.

All 5 inch rounds from the batch that HMAS BRISBANE was using during the anti-aircraft firing practice have been embargoed until the investigation is complete.

HMAS BRISBANE is due to return to Darwin this evening for repairs to a defective fresh water evaporator and will then resume the exercise.

At the time of the incident, HMAS BRISBANE was 105 nautical miles (200km) south west of Darwin in company with the New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS TE KAHA. Both ships are participating in the Fleet Concentration Period KAKADU 4/99.

HMAS BRISBANE, with a crew of 330 led by Commander Peter Leschen, will continue to participate in the Fleet Concentration Period, which ends on Thursday, August 12.

Fleet Concentration Period KAKADU 4/99 is the largest maritime training activity in Australian waters this year, involving 20 warships from six regional nations off the coast of Darwin from 2-12 August 1999.

Further Information:

Commander Peter Leschen (after 8.15 tonight, Darwin time) - 018 115 236 or 0412 254 342

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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