23 March 2003
Kanimbla intercepts weapons cache

At first light yesterday, HMAS Kanimbla, as part of Coalition Forces operating in the Persian Gulf, played a pivotal role in the capture of 3 Iraqi vessels laden with 86 LUG and MANTA mines.
A Kanimbla Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) boarding party was dispatched with a US Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to board the barge Naihawa and the tug Jumhuriyah suspected of carrying illegal cargo.
Royal Australian Navy personnel conducted a thorough search of the vessels and discovered the mines as well as a cache of small arms and semi-automatic weapons.
The mines were discovered in the barge hold, which is designed to store oil while small arms and automatic weapons were found in the bilge, under mattresses and on the bridge.
The captured vessels were destined for the waters off UMM QASR, a key port in Southern Iraq and a major launching point for humanitarian aid onboard two Coalition ships waiting in the Persian Gulf.
LUG mines are amongst the most numerous in Iraq’s arsenal and carry a charge of 145kg. The mines are anchored at a minimum of 3 metres from the surface and are designed for maximum damage to the ship’s hull.
HMAS Kanimbla was operating as part of Coalition forces clearing the mouth of the KAA to ensure safe passage and rapid Coalition progress to UMM QASR. The crew of HMAS Kanimbla is demonstrating the high skill levels and quality of training of Australian Defence Force personnel.

	At first light yesterday, HMAS Kanimbla, as part of Coalition Forces operating in the Persian Gulf, played a pivotal role in the capture of 3 Iraqi vessels laden with 86 LUG and MANTA mines. (Pic taken 21 March 2003) low-res | hi-res
	LUG mines are among the most numerous in Iraq’s arsenal and carry a charge of 145kg. (Pic taken 21 March 2003) low-res only
	The mines were discovered in the barge hold, which is designed to store oil while small arms and automatic weapons were found in the bilge, under mattresses and on the bridge. (Pic taken 21 March 2003) low-res | hi-res
	An HMAS Kanimbla crew member with a selection of the weapons cache found onboard the captured vessels. Royal Australian Navy personnel conducted a thorough search of the vessels and discovered the mines as well as a cache of small arms and semi-automatic weapons. (Pic taken 21 March 2003) low-res | hi-res
	The captured vessels were destined for the waters off UMM QASR, a key port in Southern Iraq and a major launching point for humanitarian aid onboard 2 Coalition ships waiting in the Persian Gulf. (Pic taken 21 March 2003) low-res | hi-res