By
Graham Davis
A
total of 10 sailors were taken to hospital after a toxic hazard
emergency in the 720-tonne coastal minehunter HMAS Huon at HMAS
Waterhen on April 2.
One
of the sailors was overcome and lost consciousness while trying
to escape the fumes.
His
mates rescued him and he regained consciousness on the wharf.
The
incident occurred about 8.10am when there was an unexpected release
of NAFS-111 fire suppressant material from a fixed firefighting
system in Huon’s aft steering and aft auxiliary propulsion
unit compartments.
In
an official release to the media, Navy said: “In accordance
with normal procedures the two affected compartments were sealed
and all personnel evacuated from the ship to the wharf.
“The
NSW Fire Brigades Hazardous Materials Team attended the scene
from 8.30am until 11.30am when the ship was declared safe.
“Two
personnel were working in one of the compartments at the time
of the incident.
“One sailor was overcome by fumes and collapsed unconscious
while attempting to evacuate.
“The other escaped safely.
“The unconscious sailor was quickly evacuated and regained
consciousness on the wharf after receiving assistance from Navy
medical staff.”
The
Navy said three sailors were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital
for assessment.
Later
they were transferred to Balmoral Naval Hospital where they joined
seven other Huon sailors who had been admitted earlier.
Navy
will conduct an investigation into the cause of the incident.
All
patients were discharged by the following morning.
