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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2019/03/12/defence-in-the-media-tuesday-12-march-2019/

Defence in the media: Tuesday 12 March 2019

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Defence in the media, Operations, Royal Navy

Today’s defence related news includes coverage of the Royal Navy rescue of 27 sailors from the MV Grande America.

HMS Argyll

A number of outlets, including BBC News (online), Daily Star, Telegraph, Sky News (online), the Herald and the Guardian, report that Royal Navy sailors rescued 27 crew trapped on a blazing container ship which turned into an inferno off the French coast. Most papers and online articles carry dramatic pictures of the rescue.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

HMS Argyll’s swift and selfless response to very dangerous situation in difficult sea conditions undoubtedly saved 27 lives. I commend her crew. This rescue demonstrates that even on the final leg of a challenging nine month deployment to the Far East, the Royal Navy’s sailors remain vigilant and professional at all times.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Argyll, Commander Toby Shaughnessy said:

I am incredibly proud of my Ship’s Company and the way they performed in this rescue effort in the most challenging of conditions. Without doubt this was a near run thing. The conditions were on the limit for recovery and this could just as easily been a different result. It was an exceptional team effort and there’s a great feeling on board after a successful result – everyone was saved.

Image of the day

The crew of HMS Argyll, in their Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, nudge the lifeboat of Grande America towards HMS Argyll, as the cargo ship burns in the background.
Image of the crew of HMS Argyll, seen here in their Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (right), nudging the lifeboat of Grande America (left), towards HMS Argyll, as the cargo ship burns in the background. Crown copyright.

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