HMS Bulwark is this morning conducting its largest tasking to date as part of the coordinated response to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
HMS Bulwark
HMS Bulwark is this morning conducting its largest tasking to date as part of the coordinated response to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
HMS Bulwark was alerted to four craft in potential distress approximately 40 miles off the coast of Libya. Each 30-foot inflatable boat was reported to be carrying approximately 100 migrants, including a number of pregnant women and children.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
HMS Bulwark and her crew have already proved an invaluable asset in assisting with the Mediterranean migrant crisis. Including today’s events the Royal Navy will have rescued about 600 people since starting operations at the beginning of the month.
The ship is providing medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need and will transfer them safely to land as soon as possible.
Read more here.
Baltic Air Policing
It is reported, including in The Mail Online, Express and Mirror, that RAF Typhoon jets operating as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission intercepted Russian military aircraft near Baltic airspace. The jets, which deployed to the region on 1 May, identified and escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft which was flying in international airspace. The aircraft was monitored and later departed the area.
Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon said:
Air interceptions like this clearly underline the vital importance of the UK’s contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission. The UK’s role in the protection of NATO airspace and the involvement of our personnel in the Estonian exercise currently taking place demonstrate our commitment to NATO’s collective defence and the value of our Armed Forces’ expertise in improving the military capabilities of our allies.
Elsewhere, The Times reports that Britain and its NATO allies will receive a formal request to base thousands of troops in the Baltic region to deter President Putin from launching an invasion. The paper reports that military chiefs from Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia have drafted a letter that will be sent to US General Philip Breedlove, NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe, asking for the formation of a new unit similar to the Berlin Brigade that was stationed in Germany during the Cold War.
Nepal
There is widespread coverage of the earthquake that hit Nepal yesterday as hundreds are feared dead in a remote region of the country. The new quake has left 42 dead with more than 1,100 injured, according to officials.
The UK is doing everything it can to help Nepal recover from this disaster and is the largest donor to the relief effort, contributing £23M. We responded quickly to the most pressing needs and funded two Airbus 350 helicopters and additional UN helicopters to reach remote areas. UK Chinook helicopters and crews are also in the region and stand ready to provide extra support.
Ukraine
The Times, Daily Telegraph, and the Financial Times write that a new report by Russian opposition leaders that suggests at least 220 active Russian soldiers have died fighting in Eastern Ukraine. This follows reports yesterday that the cease-fire agreement in Eastern Ukraine is being routinely violated and that NATO foreign ministers are preparing to meeting in Turkey this week.
The UK is helping the Ukrainian government by providing £10 million in technical assistance to support economic and governance reforms in Ukraine, a further £9 million in support to Ukraine through the Conflict Pool programme, humanitarian assistance, and the provision of non-lethal equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces such as body armour, helmets and medical kits.
HMS Bulwark is preparing for survivors to come on-board for OP Weald, this is a Safety of life at sea mission. The rescue is taking place in-between Italy and North Africa.
Two Merlin Mk2 helicopters of 814 Naval Air Squadron, currently based at Sigonella air base near Catania, conduct landing, take-off, refuelling, winching and communications training with HMS Bulwark off the coast of Sicily.
Once training with the amphibious assault ship, the helicopters will fly daily search and rescue missions over the Mediterranean as part of Operation Weald, Britains involvement in the international effort to help migrants crossing from North Africa to Europe.
For more information please contact the Mod Press Office on 02072 182165
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