The Office of the Commissioner of the Vanuatu Police Force has provided an update on actions taken following the grounding of the RVS Takuare on South Epi on 5 October 2025.

Since the incident, the Police Maritime Wing has been deployed to the site on board RVS Sokomanu and has worked tirelessly to stabilize the patrol boat and minimize further damage.

At the request of the Police Commissioner, Australia deployed specialist contractors on 8 October 2025 to provide technical support. These maritime salvage experts have commenced initial recovery operations, including additional work to stabilize the vessel and remove remaining fuel on board.

The removal of fuel was identified as a critical step in minimizing further environmental risks.

Over the coming weeks, efforts will continue to remove RVS Takuare from South Epi for a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the damage. The Vanuatu Police Force has requested additional support from international partners, with that request currently under consideration.

The Police Force acknowledged the dedication of the Police Maritime Wing and the community’s ongoing support in ensuring the safety of crew members and protecting the environment.

The Vanuatu Police Force remains fully committed to transparency and accountability in the wake of the incident. Once the vessel is safely recovered, comprehensive investigations will be undertaken to determine the root cause of the grounding.

These investigations will assess all contributing factors, including potential human and technical elements, to ensure accurate findings. The results will guide the Vanuatu Police Force and its security partners in implementing corrective and disciplinary measures aimed at enhancing operational safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Vanuatu Police Force continues to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of operational integrity and maritime safety.