Customs and Border Protection media release

Praise for the crews on ACV Triton and HMAS Pirie

Following the tragic events off Christmas Islandon Wednesday 15 December 2010, the CEO of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Mr Michael Carmody, and the Commander of Border Protection Command, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett RAN, would like to publicly acknowledge the efforts of the Customs and Border Protection and contracted crew of ACV Triton, and the crew of HMAS Pirie in the rescue of 42 survivors from SIEV 221.

Responding to the search and rescue underway off Rocky Point in the early hours of 15 December, ACV Triton and HMAS Pirie braved strong winds and very rough seas with swells of three to four metres to launch their boats. To effect the rescue, these small tenders had to be manoeuvred skilfully in a very challenging sea state amongst floating debris and inclose proximity to the very cliffs that had taken the SIEV.

Such effort was completed without hesitation and showed remarkable and unstinting personal courage on behalf of the crews. The subsequent management of survivors and the deceased onboard ACV Triton and HMAS Pirie as they were brought to calmer waters and landed ashore reflected an equal measure of professionalism and compassion.

The fact that these crews unflinchingly put their own lives at risk in responding to this tragic incident deserves praise.

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