Fed: Norwegian captain's wife attacks Aust govt as shameful

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2001
Fed: Norwegian captain's wife attacks Aust govt as shameful

The wife of a Norwegian skipper that rescued 438 asylum seekers from a sinking ship
has attacked the Australian government as shameful.

GRETHE RINNAN, wife of the Tampa's skipper, ARNE RINNAN, criticises the Australian
government for endangering her husband's life, the Daily Telegraph reports today.

Mr RINNAN picked up the asylum seekers on Sunday and yesterday defied an order not
to enter Australian waters and sailed to Christmas Island.

Mrs RINNAN is quoted as saying the Australian Coastguard asked her husband to pick
up the refugees and then just left him with the problem.

She says it's not right that Australia has done this to him.

The father of three and grandfather of five is on his second last voyage before retiring
next year.

AAP RTV sal/psm/

KEYWORD: BOAT WIFE (SYDNEY)

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