MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tsunami warning failure sweeps away with head of hydrographical office

Commander Mariano Rojas takes the blame until the full investigation is completed

The head of Chile's hydrographical and oceanographic service has been sacked following the earthquake and tsunami that killed about 500 people last week.

The Navy said Commander Mariano Rojas had failed to provide a clear warning prior to the killer tsunami which followed the 8.8-quake, according to local media.

The service, which forms part of the Chilean navy, was widely criticised for its failure to issue a nationwide warning. Port authorities in certain coastal towns issued their own tsunami warnings, but apparently a national alert never came.

Military officials admitted to transmitting “very unclear information” to President Michelle Bachelet on whether to lift or maintain a tsunami alert as giant waves began crashing into the Pacific coast.

The navy has also launched an inquiry into how the disaster was handled, according to a government statement.

Commander Rojas will be replaced by Commander Patricio Carrasco at the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shoa), according to an official release.