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Australian Navy Member Dies While Deployed On Border Patrol Vessel

The member was on Australian Defence Vessel 'Cape Inscription'.
This is the third Australian Defence Force death in as many months.
POOL New / Reuters
This is the third Australian Defence Force death in as many months.

A member of the Royal Australian Navy has died in unknown circumstances while deployed on a border patrol operation on Tuesday.

In a statement released by the Federal Department of Defence, the Australian Defence Force confirmed the incident "with deep regret", but acknowledged the cause of death remains unknown.

"It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force can confirm the death of a Royal Australian Navy member," the statement said.

"The member was deployed on Operation Resolute in Australian Defence Vessel 'Cape Inscription'. Defence is liaising with local authorities and the cause of death is not yet known.

"On behalf of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, the Chief of the Defence Force extends his deepest sympathy to the family, friends and shipmates of the deceased member."

Federal Minister for Defence Marise Payne also commented on the death, saying it comes "with great sadness" and extended her sympathies to the friends and family of the defence force member, whose gender and identity remain unknown.

"The member was deployed on Operation Resolute, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the whole-of-government effort to protect Australia's borders and offshore maritime interests," she said.

"I extend my deepest sympathies and those of the Australian Government to the member's family, colleagues and friends and I express my gratitude for the deceased member's service to our nation."

The incident comes after a series of deaths in the Australian Defence Force in May where an Australian Army soldier was killed after being struck by a tree branch near Rockhampton and another soldier died after being wounded during a routine training activity in Darwin.

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