Fire Injures One aboard Australian Navy Submarine

One man suffered light burns as a result of an electrical fire onboard HMAS Waller earlier this week.

The fire occurred on Tuesday, December 10 at 10 p.m. (WA time) while the submarine was undergoing maintenance alongside Fleet Base West.

While conducting maintenance activities in a battery compartment Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) contractors observed electrical ‘sparking and arcing’ and smoke emanating from within the compartment.

In accordance with their training the personnel immediately initiated the emergency procedures and the all staff onboard the submarine proceeded to emergency stations.

Upon further inspection the fire was discovered to have extinguished itself.

One ASC contractor suffered light burns to his face and hands and was taken to hospital for treatment. No other personnel onboard were affected and initial indications are the submarine has not been affected.

The Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN praised the professionalism of all involved.

“The professional and quick actions of all involved is a reflection on their skills and training,” he said.

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

navy.gov.au