Christmas Island Tragedy
SIEV 221 - Coroner's findings
West Australian State Coroner Mr A N Hope has handed down his findings into the deaths of 50 people after their vessel, SIEV 221, crashed onto Rocky Point, Christmas Island in December 2010.
The Coroner has concluded that it was the people smugglers, and to a lesser extent the crew of SIEV 221, that contributed to the deaths of those on board.
In his findings the Coroner paid tribute to the bravery of those involved in the rescue efforts, including Navy personnel, Customs and Border Protection officers and local people. He further commented that the officers on the RHIBS and tenders “demonstrated great courage and resourcefulness in the circumstances and I have nothing but praise for them.”
I strongly endorse these views. Our officers on ACV Triton and Christmas Island along with their colleagues from the Navy have every reason to feel proud of what they did in response to an unfolding tragedy.
The Coroner made a number of recommendations that go to surveillance and search and rescue capabilities on Christmas Island that will now be considered by the Commonwealth.
Michael Carmody CEO
Christmas Island Tragedy Internal Review (Full Report) - 24 January 2011
Media Release - Christmas Island Tragedy Internal Review - 24 January 2011
Christmas Island Tragedy Internal Review
Transcript of Press Conference
Media Releases
Vessel in distress at Christmas Island - 15 December 2010
Vessel in distress at Christmas Island - 15 December 2010
Christmas Island Chronology - 16 December 2010
UPDATE - Christmas Island Tragedy
UPDATE - Christmas Island Tragedy
UPDATE - Christmas Island Tragedy
UPDATE - Christmas Island Tragedy
Praise for the crews on ACV Triton and HMAS Pirie
Related Information
Customs Joint Select Committee Submission
Border Protection Command Homepage