NZ sailor dies in Rarotonga

A New Zealand Defence Force sailor has died in an accident in Rarotonga today.

Maritime Component Commander Commodore John Martin said, “We are saddened by this loss and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of the sailor.”

Next of kin are in the process of being informed and our priority is to provide comfort and support to the family and shipmates.

The sailor was serving on the HMNZS OTAGO which is currently in the Pacific conducting maritime patrols.

The New Zealand Defence Force will not release the name of the sailor or circumstances surrounding the incident in order to allow time for the wider family to be informed.

Further details will be released once next of kin have been informed. Until then no further comment will be made.

NZ SAILOR DIES IN RAROTONGA – release 2

The New Zealand Defence Force sailor who died in Rarotonga yesterday has been named as Able Seaman Combat Specialist William Paratini Delamere, aged 22.

The accident occurred at 0045 on Friday 22 June (Cook Island time) when ASCS Delamere was involved in a motor scooter accident while on leave.

The accident occurred adjacent to the ships berth and personnel from OTAGO were First Aid responders and accompanied ASCS Delamare to Rarotonga Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead at 0130.

An investigation into the event is being conducted by local police.

Maritime Component Commander Commodore John Martin said, “We are saddened by this loss and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Able Seaman William Delamere.”

“Next of kin have been informed and our priority is to provide comfort and support to the family and shipmates.”

Able Seaman Delamere was serving in the Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, HMNZS OTAGO which is currently alongside Rarotonga while operating in the Pacific conducting maritime patrols with regional authorities.

“This is a sad day and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, especially the Navy, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of William.”

The NZ Defence Force has notified the immediate families of all sailors involved and is providing assistance to them during this very difficult time.

The Defence Force asks the media to respect the privacy of the family at this time.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

NZ SAILOR TO BE BROUGHT HOME – Release 3

Able Seaman Combat Specialist William Paratini Delamere, the NZ Defence Force sailor who died in Rarotonga yesterday, will be brought back to New Zealand later next week.

ASCS Delamere was involved in a motor scooter accident while on leave in Rarotonga. Personnel from HMNZS OTAGO were First Aid responders and accompanied ASCS Delamere to Rarotonga Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead at 0130 local time.

The Defence Force is working with the Police and Coroner's Officer, and we are working to return ASCS Delamere to his family as quickly and expeditiously as possible, while supporting his partner and family in this process.

Commander of HMNZS OTAGO Commander David McEwan said, “The tragic death of Able Seaman Combat Specialist William Delamere or Delz as he was known to his friend and shipmates, has been keenly felt by the Officers and Ship's Company of HMNZS OTAGO currently deployed to the South Pacific.

“He was a young man with an enormous future and was widely respected as a person who could be relied upon to get on with the job without complaint and such a person is essential to the efficient operations undertaken by OTAGO. To that end, William was never shy of getting stuck in and supporting his shipmates as they went about the many and varied tasks whilst on deployment.  

“Intelligent and of cheeky nature and quick wit, William embodied the very spirit of a young sailor enjoying his life at sea performing a role that offered him comradeship, exciting challenges and many rewarding moments. He was a wonderful part of the youth and vibrancy that makes OTAGO such a special  ship upon which to serve and he will be deeply missed.

“The thoughts and prayers of the Commanding Officer, Officers and Ship's Company are very much with his partner and family in NZ at this time of great sadness.”

 
The Defence Force asks the media to respect the privacy of the family, friends and shipmates at this time.

No further information will be provided before Monday.