The four Fiji Navy officers who are found guilty in relation to the grounding of the naval ship, RFNS Kiro on Belcher Reef on 14th July 2016 have been fined 28 days of salary and given severe reprimand.
Lt Samuela Cikaitoga, Mike Brown, Lt Ben Salacakau and Lt Saula Tuilevuka had pleaded guilty to their charges in the General Court Martial.
Lt Samuela Cikaitoga’s rank has also been demoted to sub lieutenant.
The sentences were read by the President of the General Court Martial, retired Navy Commander, Netani Sukanaivalu.
Meanwhile, Judge Advocate Jiten Singh had earlier stated that all accused are convicted with the charge which carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.
He said that as a result of neglect, RFNS Kiro is no longer available, we are a vessel less and Fiji is a maritime country.
Justice Singh had also highlighted that Kiro’s total loss of value isn’t known, no life was lost and no one was injured but the crew’s life was at risk.
He also stated that all the accused pleaded guilty to their charge and fully complied with the investigations.
