The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has presented commendations to Darwin-based service men and women who helped rescue, treat and evacuate those injured from the explosion onboard Suspected Irregular Entry Vessel (SIEV) 36 on April 16, 2009.
Commander Border Protection Command, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) presented commendations to approximately 20 ADF personnel who are current or former members of the Darwin-based Armidale-class patrol boat crew Assail Two, or who were serving with Transit Security Element 52 or with the Cairns-based crew Ardent Four at the time of the SIEV 36 incident.
The commendations were awarded for the outstanding service, courage, drive,
dedication and compassion shown by those involved in the rescue, treatment and evacuation of people following the explosion.
ADF Gold (Chief of Joint Operations) Group Commendations have been awarded to all 51 personnel from Navy, Army and Air Force who were embarked in HMA Ships 'Childers' and 'Albany' on April 16, 2009, as part of the crews of Ardent Four and Assail Two.
SIEV-36 was a boat from Indonesia carrying 47 apparently Afghan asylum seekers and two Indonesian crew members. The vessel exploded and sank near Ashmore Reef on April 16, 2009, after being intercepted by an Australian patrol boat.
The explosion occurred while members of the navy were checking identification documents. Five passengers died and a further 51 people were injured, including several Australian Navy personnel.