Australian Defence Department issues clarifications on power outage on HMAS Adelaide

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has confirmed earlier reports that the Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock (LHD) HMAS Adelaide has experienced a power outage.

The DOD said back-up power has been activated to restore essential systems and that the situation is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of the ship and embarked personnel.

The DOD has also issued clarifications following a number of incorrect reports that were published on Monday, January 31:

1. Essential functions such as refrigeration and sanitation systems are up and running.
2. Food supplies have not been adversely affected as a result of the power outage.
3. Adelaide is not under tow, nor has it been under tow while in or near Tonga.
4. Air conditioning is operational in most areas of the ship.

Officials added that the power outage has not affected Australia's ability to support requests from the Government of Tonga to assist their recovery efforts. Civilian specialists are also en route to conduct an assessment of the affected systems.

Adelaide is presently operating off Tonga as part of Operation Tonga Assist, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-led effort to support the Government of Tonga following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano on January 15, 2022.