A boat used by the Royal family has sparked questions after crashing into rocks
Embarrassing
questions are being asked after a 14m naval VIP launch used by both HM The
Queen and HRH Prince Philip crashed into rocks in New Zealand. An 18in hole was
torn in the hull of the launch when it struck Red Rocks Reef near Whangarei,
leaving it with its bows underwater.
Its
four crew members were safely transferred to a RIB which went to its aid, while
the launch was stabilised and was later towed to Tutukaka harbour to be lifted
ashore. The Royal New Zealand Navy has launched a full investigation to
determine how the launch came to hit rocks which are clearly marked on the
chart.
“I
think it is an embarrassment for the navy, quite frankly”, said Defence
Minister Jonathan Coleman, “I want clear answers on why this happened”. The
launch is based at Devonport Naval Base where, in addition to carrying its
royal passengers in 1990 and 2006, it has transported several visiting prime
ministers and other senior politicians and diplomats.
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