Royal Navy Frigate HMS MONMOUTH is currently involved in a dramatic rescue from the St Vincent and Grenadines registered cargo vessel ‘Afrodite S’ in the Mediterranean.

The ‘Afrodite S’ was on passage when her cargo of bulk cement shifted resulting in her taking in water.  HMS MONMOUTH then launched her Merlin helicopter to aid the stricken vessel with its 11 Romanian crew. Three crew members have been airlifted back to Monmouth in rapidly deteriorating conditions. 

HMS MONMOUTH’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Peacock, said “Saving a fellow sailor is one of the fundamental laws of the sea and I am immensely proud of the way my sailors are performing in rendering assistance to the Afrodite S.  Their actions are in the finest traditions of the Royal Navy and demonstrate the diverse roles Monmouth is able to perform”.

The British warship Monmouth, currently on patrol as part of Operation Active Endeavour in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a Type 23 Duke class frigate with a length of 133 metres and displacing over 4000 tonnes.  She is equipped with the latest weapons, sensors and communications systems, including the vertical launch Seawolf missile system for close air defence, a 4.5 inch gun, anti-submarine torpedoes, harpoon anti-ship missiles and a Merlin helicopter.

This rendering of assistance was fully supported by the National authorities emphasising the stance being adopted by the units in support of the Maritime Support Operations within the region.

Image:HMS MONMOUTH Mediterranean rescue

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 March 2007 )