Faulty switch behind seaman's accident?

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http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130109-394206.html

A switch which malfunctioned on a Republic of Singapore Navy ship could have caused the horrific accident that resulted in a serviceman losing both his legs and his left arm last month.

Revealing the preliminary findings of ongoing investigations, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said yesterday that the electrically-controlled switch, or "contactor", used in the operation of the ship's motorised winch had failed.

In the Dec 10 accident, Mr Jason Chee, who holds the rank of Military Expert 2, was caught between the motorised winch and a rope on board the Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Endeavour. The ship was berthed at Changi Naval Base at the time.

"Contactors have been replaced on our LSTs as well as other ships," Dr Ng told reporters during a visit to the recently-reopened Safra Toa Payoh clubhouse.

He added that, among other things, investigations will look into whether safety precautions were taken, and if other mechanisms can be built in to enhance safety.

Beyond taking care of Mr Chee's compensation and rehabilitation costs, the Ministry of Defence will look into finding a vocation that fits his abilities in the future, he said.

"There are many things to look at, but let's persist and try hard," he added.

Dr Ng, who visited Mr Chee at the Changi General Hospital last Friday, said he will address the issue of compensation in Parliament.