Australian armoured personnel carriers in Dili [File photo].
Last Update: Tuesday, October 3, 2006. 5:43pm (AEST)

ADF soldiers damage reef beds off Dili

Australian soldiers in East Timor are facing disciplinary action after driving several armoured personnel carriers (APC) into the sea, off Dili's main beach.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) leaders admit the tanks have damaged beds of coral.

Residents in Dili complained when they saw three armoured personnel carriers drive into the sea over coral beds at low tide, on Dili's main Christo Rei beach.

One complainant took photographs of the event, showing the APCs' several feet deep in water.

ADF chiefs in Dili admit the coral was damaged and say disciplinary action will be taken against those in command, most likely in the form of counselling.

They say it is a routine practice to immerse the tanks in water to test their seals, but concede it was stupid and insensitive to do so near coral and on the main beach.

East Timor's Consul General in Sydney, Abel Guterres, says the Australian military should have taken greater care.

"From the pictures it looks like it's in the waters where there is coral reefs and there is swimming place so it is inappropriate to have those vehicles immersed in there."