Manpower crisis as reserves bolster depleted Navy

The escalating manpower crisis in the naval service has led to reservists being called up to ensure ship crew numbers do not fall below required safety limits.

The problem is being compounded by a serious fall-off in the number of people taking up recruit posts. Of 65 people called for medical/fitness tests at the naval base last week, just six turned up.

The previous recruitment drive attracted only 26 suitable candidates, short of the 48 normally needed to fill a recruit class.