12 Dec 2010

Patrol vessel due back in port for repairs

6:09 am on 12 December 2010

HMNZS Otago is due back at Devonport naval base on Sunday afternoon for repairs to another problem.

A voyage to Campbell Island in sub-Antarctic waters was cut short due to an electrical fault on an engine.

The offshore patrol vessel was being carrying Department of Conservation staff and also had the Governor-General and his wife on board.

HMNZS Otago has been in service less than a year. It's the third time she has had to return to port for repairs.

But Commodore Ross Smith hopes to have Otago back at sea for further trials on Tuesday.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has promised a full inquiry into the ship's problems.