Current:Home > NewsAustralia says its navy divers were likely injured by the Chinese navy’s ‘unsafe’ use of sonar -EverVision Finance
Australia says its navy divers were likely injured by the Chinese navy’s ‘unsafe’ use of sonar
View
Date:2025-04-13 23:12:22
BEIJING (AP) — Australia on Saturday accused the Chinese navy of likely causing minor injuries to Australian naval divers by operating its sonar while they were trying to clear fishing nets from their ship’s propellers.
The Australian government has expressed its serious concerns to the Chinese government over what it called the unsafe and unprofessional conduct earlier this week, Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a statement on his official website.
There was no immediate comment from the Chinese side. The U.S., Canadian and Australian militaries have complained multiple times about what they say have been dangerous actions by the Chinese navy and air force in the western Pacific. Analysts fear a collision or other accident could spark an international incident and escalate into conflict.
The HMAS Toowoomba stopped in international waters on Tuesday in Japan’s exclusive economic zone after fishing nets became entangled in its propellers, the defense minister’s statement said. The naval frigate had been helping to enforce U.N. sanctions in the region.
As diving operations were underway, a Chinese destroyer moved toward the Australian ship and was detected operating its hull-mounted sonar in a way that posed a risk to the divers and forced them to get out of the water, the statement said.
“The divers ... sustained minor injuries likely due to being subjected to the sonar pulses from the Chinese destroyer,” it added.
Sonar uses sound waves to obtain an image in the water. At high levels, those can cause dizziness, hearing damage other organ damage.
Australian Sen. James Paterson, a member of the opposition Liberal Party, noted the incident came shortly after a visit by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Beijing to improve his country’s ties with China.
“On one hand, China says it wants a better relationship with Australia and on the other hand it takes dangerous maneuvers that put the safety of Australian personnel at risk,” he told reporters.
veryGood! (38)
Related
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Man accused of killing deputy makes first court appearance
- Kansas City shooting victim Lisa Lopez-Galvan remembered as advocate for Tejano music community
- New Hampshire Senate rejects enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Alaska woman gets 99 years for orchestrating catfished murder-for-hire plot in friend’s death
- Jennifer Lopez will go on tour for the first time in five years: How to get tickets
- The 2024 Met Gala Co-Chairs Will Have You on the Floor
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Jon Hamm spills on new Fox show 'Grimsburg,' reuniting with 'Mad Men' costar
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Ford CEO says company will rethink where it builds vehicles after last year’s autoworkers strike
- Cleveland-Cliffs to shutter West Virginia tin plant and lay off 900 after tariff ruling
- Pennsylvania mom convicted of strangling 11-year-old son, now faces life sentence
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- The Best Luxury Bed Sheets That Are So Soft and Irresistible, You’ll Struggle to Get Out of Bed
- Chiefs lineman Trey Smith shares WWE title belt with frightened boy after parade shooting
- Wayfair’s Presidents' Day Sale Has Black Friday Prices- $1.50 Flatware, $12 Pillows & 69% off Mattresses
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Utah school board seeks resignation of member who questioned athlete’s gender
Bow Down to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Valentine's Day Date at Invictus Games Event
Steph Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu to face off in 3-point contest during NBA All-Star weekend
Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
Eyes on the road: Automated speed cameras get a fresh look as traffic deaths mount
As Alabama eyes more nitrogen executions, opponents urge companies to cut off plentiful gas supply
Steady ascent or sudden splash? North Carolina governor’s race features men who took different paths