CN supports injured XO

Chief of Navy VADM Chris Ritchie paid a visit to Tarakan’s WO Ian Chill, who is recovering from serious injuries he sustained in the Solomons.

The Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie, recently visited WO Ian Chill in the spinal unit of the Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane to check on his progress and pass on the Navy’s best wishes.

WO Chill suffered a broken back while on active duty in the Solomons and is now a paraplegic. WO Chill was the XO of HMAS Tarakan when the accident occurred.

He fell 10-metres into a cave crevasse sustaining severe injuries.

The majority of the crew members of Tarakan assisted two army medical staff, who had to be lowered into the scene by helicopter, in removing WO Chill from the cave.

Later medical examination revealed that WO Chill had sustained a fractured skull, fractures in his neck, broken ribs, a punctured lung and breaks to his lower back.

He was evacuated to Australia the following day.

Unfortunately, the break in his back will result in WO Chill being confined to a wheelchair for life.

Despite this outcome, WO Chill and his wife Nicky remain positive.

HMAS Cairns (CMDR Neil Wark) and HMAS Tarakan (LEUT Alan Willmore) have commenced fund raising to assist the Chill family meet the challenges of his new life.

Donations can be made to Australian Defence Credit Union “Ian Chill Fundraising Account” 802 397 672 628.

.