Kiwi crew unable to save injured seaman in Gulf of Oman

A seaman died in an accident on a chemical carrier in the Gulf of Oman despite the efforts of the New Zealand navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana.

Te Mana raced to the aid of the bulk chemical carrier at its full speed of nearly 30 knots when it received an emergency radio message that the injured man had fallen into a tank while cleaning it.

When the frigate was close enough to the carrier, it launched its Seasprite helicopter with a medic on board.

The medic and a doctor from the British destroyer HMS Cumberland, tried to resuscitate the man but he died.

Te Mana has been on terrorist patrol as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the multi-national coalition group hunting for al Qaeda and Taleban members and supporters and illicit cargoes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Middle East and other areas.

The ship is expected to return to New Zealand in September.

- NZPA