An Indonesian Fisherman was allegedly shot dead inside PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) on Monday, August 22nd.
According to local media, an Indonesian flagged fishing vessel, KMN Calvin 02, was approached within PNG waters by a PNGDF patrol boat, which opened fire killing one.
While the exact sequence of events is unclear, media reporting in Indonesia initially claimed that an Australian warship had opened fire, something denied by the Australian Government:“The Australian Government categorically denies allegations raised in media reporting of involvement in an incident resulting in the death of an Indonesian fisher on 22 August 2022.”
A crew member of the Indonesian fishing boat, who spoke to news outlet KabarPaupa.com, said that “If I’m not mistaken, the warship they [PNGDF] used had a hull number, 401”, which corresponds to HMPNGS Ted Diro.
HMPNGS Ted Diro is the first of three Guardian class patrol boats delivered to PNG by Australia. In total, Australia has committed to providing the PNGDF with four Guardian class vessels, which it plans to arm with unspecified weapons.
Sources confirmed to Overt Defense that, at this time, work to arm PNG’s Guardian class vessels is yet to begin.