Australian navy reacts to sex allegations

CANBERRA, Australia, July 5 (UPI) -- The Royal Australian Navy says it has removed four sailors from their ships amid allegations they took part in a sex contest.

The navy confirmed four male members of the HMAS Success crew were removed from their posts following allegations they were involved in a contest to see who could sleep with more of their female peers, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Sunday.

"Once these allegations were made known, (the) navy acted immediately by removing those sailors allegedly involved in the matter from the ship and referring the matter to the independent Australian Defense Force Investigative Service for action," Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Russ Crane said.

ABC said the disciplinary actions come after Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard sought an investigation of the allegations in an attempt to keep women open to the idea of joining the armed forces.

"As a nation ... we've been saying for a long period of time we want men and women to be able to join the army, the navy, the air force and to have good careers in it," Gillard said.