RFNS Kiro (203)

RFNS Kiro (203) was one of three Pacific Forum patrol boats operated by Fiji.[1] She was the last of the three to be launched, in May 1995, and the first to be retired, when she ran aground and was deemed unsalvable, in 2016.

History
Fiji
NameKiro
Launched1996
Commissioned1996
Decommissioned2016
IdentificationIMO number: 9086473
StatusAbandoned, after cast ashore during a cyclone
General characteristics
Class and typePacific Forum-class patrol boat
Displacement162 tons
Length103 ft (31 m)

Background

Shortly after the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea extended a 200-kilometre (108 nmi) exclusive economic zone to all maritime nations, Australia agreed to design, build, and then donate small patrol vessels to its smaller fellow members of the Pacific Forum, so they could exercise sovereignty over their zones.[1] In addition to Kiro, Kula and Kikau Australia provided to Fiji, Australia provided 19 other vessels to 11 other small maritime countries, delivered between 1985 and 1995. Australia has designed and will build a new, larger and more capable replacement class, the Guardian-class patrol boats, which will be delivered from 2018 to 2023.

Design

Like her sister ships Kiro displaced 160 tonnes, and her top speed was 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph). They used commercial off the shelf equipment, rather than cutting-edge military grade equipment, as ease of maintenance was more important than high performance.

Operational history

Kiro ran aground during bad weather, on July 19, 2016.[2] Attempts were made to salvage her, but, after four months, she was written off, and the decision was made to leave the wreck on the Cakauyawa Reef.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

References
  1. Dave Morley (2015-12-03). "Lifelines across Pacific" (PDF). Navy News. Vol. 58, no. 23. p. 8. Retrieved 2018-08-12. The program involves 22 Australian-gifted patrol boats to 12 Pacific island countries, the majority of which are operated by police services.
  2. "Fiji navy patrol vessel RFNS Kiro grounded at Cakauyawa Reef". Maritime Herald. 2016-07-19. Retrieved 2018-06-11. The Fiji navy patrol vessel RFNS Kiro grounded at Cakauyawa Reef on 6 nautical miles off Makuluva Island, Suva.
  3. Filipe Naigulevu (2016-07-23). "Navy Seeks Blessings To Refloat SHIP". Fiji Sun. Cakauyawa Reef. Retrieved 2018-06-11. RFNS Kula with a complement of 17 seamen was in waters close to the reef yesterday but adverse weather conditions and high sea swells slowed the salvage operations. Some of them, seamen, divers and engineers could be seen on board RFNS Kiro assessing the situation. A support team is based at nearby Nukulau Island onboard another naval vessel, waiting for the signal to go in and help.
  4. Arieta Vakasukawaqa (2016-08-03). "Kiro Grounding Probe Completed". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 2018-06-11. He said works to salvage the RFNS Kiro would be an expensive operation for the Fiji Navy.
  5. Arieta Vakasukawaqa (2016-08-09). "Naval Ship Kiro Details To Be Out This Week". Fiji Sun. Suva, Fiji. Retrieved 2018-06-11. The naval ship has been stuck on Cakauyawa Reef off Makuluva Island after it ran aground last month.
  6. Maika Bolatiki (2016-08-24). "RFNS Lautoka Keeps Close Watch Over The RFNS Kiro". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 2018-06-11. From the latest report they had, she said there were some damages but not serious. On the salvage of the vessel, she said the Industrial & Marine Engineering Limited (IMEL) had offered to help but nothing had been confirmed.
  7. Arieta Vakasukawaqa (2016-09-29). "Salvaging Kiro Maybe Not Worth Cost: PM". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 2018-06-11. Efforts to salvage the RFNS Kiro are still unclear after it ran aground on Cakauyawa Reef off Nukulau Island in July. However, the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama said outside Parliament yesterday, it may be a waste of resources and time trying to get the naval vessel floating again.
  8. Arieta Vakasukawaqa (2017-04-25). "Kiro Will Not Be Salvaged: Minister". Fiji Sun. Suva, Fiji. Retrieved 2018-06-11. The Republic of the Fiji Navy vessel, Kiro, which ran aground on Cakauyawa Reef near Nukulau Island last year will not be salvaged.
  9. Selita Bolanavanua, Fonua Talei (2018-03-28). "Naval Vessels Crucial To Service Maritime". Fiji Sun. Suva, Fiji. Retrieved 2018-06-11. 'RFNS Kiro ran aground on Cakauyawa Reef, off Makuluva Island on July 15, 2016 and several attempts made to salvage it have been unsuccessful, 'he said.
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