Aussie Sailor dies on HMAS TOOWOOMBA

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http://www.smh.com.au/national/aussi...024-1mfeh.html

Aussie sailor dies during Indian port visit
October 24, 2011 - 3:31PM

An Australian sailor returning home from the Middle East has died in a "firearm-related" incident aboard HMAS Toowoomba, the Department of Defence says.

The ANZAC class frigate was docked in the Indian city of Mumbai after finishing a six-month tour in the waters of North Africa and the Middle East when the sailor died.

Defence and embassy officials are investigating the death.


Staff from the defence force's internal investigation service are expected to arrive in Mumbai tonight to find an explanation of the unnamed sailor's death.

"The death is believed to be firearm related, but the circumstances surrounding the sailor's death will be the subject of the Australian Defence Force Investigation Service inquiry," the department told AAP.

HMAS Toowoomba was on its way home to Fleet Base West near Perth.

It was Toowoomba's second deployment to the Middle East, where it was replaced by HMAS Parramatta.

While on deployment the ship, home to about 190 sailors and officers, had been kept busy with multiple boardings and delivering medical assistance to nearby vessels.

Commander Andrew Quinn paid tribute to the work of the ship only days ago.

"I am extremely proud of the way my ship's company has worked diligently over the past six months," he said in a statement.

Defence has not provided the age, rank or name of the sailor but has offered its condolences to his family, who have requested privacy.

AAP



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/aussi...#ixzz1bgVmRoiw

Very sad, especially that was on the way home finally after a six month deployment.