Probe into ‘sabotage’ on board naval ship

THE Navy has launched an investigation into suspected sabotage on board the patrol vessel LÉ Emer.

A second probe is also underway after a security key went missing from the country’s oldest naval ship.

Playing down reports that morale among the crew of the 1,000-tonne ship is low, a naval spokesperson confirmed last night that two investigations were launched in the past week after separate incidents.

One investigation is trying to establish how a header tank - used to store oil for engines that lower the anchor - was mysteriously drained.

“The tank drained itself of oil and it couldn’t be explained from an engineering perspective,” the spokesman said.

“We are investigating to see if it was deliberate or accidental.”

If the anchor had been dropped while the tank was empty, a number of motors would have burned out, he said.

The other probe is trying to establish how a key for secure areas of the ship went missing. The key does not control access to ammunition or ordnance stores.

Both investigations are being carried out by internal navy personnel.

“Investigations of this sort are part and parcel of the workplace,” the spokesman said.

The 26-year-old patrol vessel was undergoing engine repairs at the naval base in Haulbowline yesterday.

A problem with engine governors that control the load sharing to the ship’s propeller is being resolved by technical staff. This problem is unrelated to the incidents being investigated, the spokesman said.

The ship was due to finish its current patrol next Monday but was recalled early. It is due to set sail on routine patrol again on December 28.

The spokesman played down reports that crew morale is low.

“When a ship’s programme is interrupted, it creates uncertainty. And when you come into the winter period with repairs, people can get down. But how do you measure morale, it is very subjective,” he said.

The LÉ Emer has suffered from increased wear and tear in recent years. It is due to be replaced in or before 2007.