New Zealand soldier dies in Timor

By GREGG WYCHERLEY

A New Zealand soldier has died in a swimming accident while on leave in East Timor.

Private Boyd Reagan Henare Atkins, a nineteen-year-old infantry soldier, was found dead last night near a wharf at a military recreation centre used by New Zealand troops.

Brigadier Jerry Mateparae, the New Zealand based Joint Force Commander would not comment on the circumstances of Private Atkins' death.

"I am not prepared to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this tragedy until we can establish the facts from the investigation," he said

Private Atkins is the fourth New Zealand soldier to die in East Timor and the second New Zealand soldier to die on active service in as many days, following the death of Acting Major John McNutt.

He was on a four day leave pass at the Hera leave centre, 10km east of Dili.

He was last seen at the centre early yesterday morning.

A search was launched and his body was found at 4.40 pm local time (8.40 pm NZ time) near the Hera Wharf.



Dangerous saltwater crocodiles inhabit the waters in the area.

"This is a tragedy, and my condolences and thoughts go out to the family of Private Atkins," said Brigadier Mateparae.

"We have advised Private Atkins' family, and an Army officer will remain with the family to facilitate any support they may require from us."

He said the priority was to bring Private Atkins home, and ensure the needs of his family and friends were met.

Private Atkins was a member of the 3rd New Zealand Battalion Group in East Timor.

He joined the Army in September 1999 as a rifleman, and was based at Linton Camp with the 1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

New Zealand peacekeeping troops have used the Hera centre since January.

They usually spend four days and three nights at the supervised Hera centre during the leave period.

The centre's recreational activities include swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and boating.

Up to twenty people from the New Zealand contingent are on leave at the Hera centre at any one time.

Herald Online feature: Timor mission

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor