Submarine Fire Update: Contractor's Injuries Minor

Late on the evening of Tuesday, December 10, a civilian contractor suffered minor injuries while conducting maintenance in a battery compartment aboard Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Waller.

At approximately 10 p.m. (Western Australian time), HMAS Waller was alongside at Fleet Base West when civilian contractors observed electrical arcing and smoke emanating from within the compartment.

The personnel immediately initiated emergency procedures and all staff onboard the submarine were evacuated.

One contractor suffered minor burns in the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment. No other personnel onboard were affected and initial indications are that there was no damage to the submarine.

The submarine remains alongside and an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.