Vice Admiral Russ Crane has spent the last 24 hours on HMAS Pirie and arrived in Darwin this morning. He spent the time talking to the sailors who pulled 30 bodies from the water after the Christmas Island boat tragedy. Vice Admiral Crane told a press conference that sailors have been deeply affected by what they saw.

He says the boat wreck is a grim reminder of how deadly the sea can be, but the sailors are faring well considering the circumstances. "All of the reports that I have are they're in excellent shape. They're experiencing all of the reactions we would expect from people who have witnessed or partaken in this tragic event," he said. He has strongly defended the actions of sailors who rescued asylum seekers, saying those on board the Pirie responded as quickly as possible.

"I'm extremely proud of the way in which the ship's company mobilised and effected this rescue in such difficult and dangerous circumstances," he said. He says sailors will not be allowed to speak to the media about the crash until a coronial inquiry is completed. But he says he is not worried by what the inquiry might find.