Wednesday 22nd April

1700hrs Channel Nine News

IN BREAKING NEWS TONIGHT we would like to bring you a press release from Commander Maxine White.

The TV view switches to Commander Maxine White, Commander Mike Flynn, and Commander Steve Marshall. Maxine is standing behind a podium inside a hall at Navcom Cairns. You can see the worry on their faces.

"At 2100hrs yesterday evening we lost contact with HMAS Hammersley and at 2300hrs we then lost contact with HMAS Barren. HMAS Hammersley is a Patrol Boat based here in Cairns and HMAS Barren is a Frigate returning from the gulf. Both boats had reported that they were traveling through Cyclone Nancy. At present we have no further information to bring you. Our prayers and thoughts are with their friends and families at this time."

"Ma'am when will there be a search and rescue mission for the two boats?" asks one reporter.

"Due to the safety we are unable to send any boats out to search for them till Cyclone Nancy has been downgraded or has passed the area that they were last heard from." Maxine moves away from the podium.

Camera view follows Maxine, Mike and Steve as they leave the area and head off though a door on the side of the hall

Back in the news room

We will bring you live updates as they come to hand.