Defence calculating cost of repairs to Collins-class submarine damaged during severe storm
The Department of Defence is hoping insurance will help cover the costs of repairing a Collins-class submarine damaged during severe storms in Western Australia in June.
HMAS Sheean sustained serious damage when it was hit by a drifting merchant vessel which had broken free of its moorings at the Australian Maritime Complex at Henderson, south of Fremantle.
The merchant ship had been pushed onto the navy vessel by gale forces winds. The impact damaged two hydroplanes used to steer the sub and its propeller. Defence is now seeking to recover the costs through an insurer.
It says it will take several months to calculate the final cost of repairs. The department says the submarine has been repaired and is back in operation “…in accordance with programmed activities.”