The Cook Islands Police patrol boat Te Kukupa II is scheduled to depart for Cairns, Australia on Tuesday for repairs and maintenance work in dry dock.

The vessel was gifted by the Australian Government a year ago and has been dealing with some defects, including a recent fault with the craft shaft which was discovered upon return from regional operation, Tui Moana.

The 15th Guardian-class patrol boat replaced the original Te Kukupa, which had served the Cook Islands for 33 years.

Police media officer Trevor Pitt said Te Kukupa II is scheduled to be in dry dock for five to six weeks.

Pitt said the timing of the repairs is unfortunate, as six of the Maritime Division staff are currently undergoing training in Australia, leaving the division short of the required crew number for sailing.

As a result, three Royal Fiji Navy officers have been temporarily seconded to the Cook Islands Police Maritime Division to help with the repairs.

Ratu Meli Rokosusasa Baivatu, Sitiveni Sokotiviti, and Benedito Koroi will be part of the patrol boat crew when it sails to Australia early next week.

Pitt said the spirit of regional cooperation is strong between Fiji and the Cook Islands, and that the Fijian officers’ assistance is a demonstration of Pacific solidarity.

The three Fijian officers were welcomed to the Cook Islands and the Police Service on Friday by Commissioner TJ Keenan, who expressed his gratitude for the cooperative arrangement as a demonstration of Pacific solidarity.

The initiative also provides an encouraging model of regional cooperation in a critical area of surveillance capability, particularly among those nations facing increasing pressures associated with personnel constraints, Police said.

The trio was sworn in under the Police Oath and were presented their awards as Temporary Constables.

The Maritime crew was put through its paces during a fast sail test on Thursday to ensure they are prepared for the journey to Australia.

• LL/Police