HMS Monmouth's Lynx helicopter and boarding party come to the aid of the MV Caravos Horizon, a merchant vessel that had been assaulted by suspected pirates while transiting the Red Sea
Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Stuart Hill/MOD
Vigilance can report that HMS Monmouth last week came to the aid of a merchant ship that had come under attack from pirates in the southern Red Sea.
The Maltese-flagged, Greek-owned MV Caravos Horizon, a 63,000 ton bulk carrier, was said to have been on passage south through the Red Sea when boarded by six armed men. The 24 Filipino crew took shelter in the ship’s citadel (a secure room within the ship).
Monmouth, a Type 23 frigate known as the “Black Duke”, was patrolling 90 miles to the South when alerted to the situation. The warship immediately diverted, accelerating to top speed to intercept the vessel in distress.
She launched her Lynx helicopter from 60 miles away to assess the situation, assisted by the helicopter from a nearbyUS warship, USS Bataan. There appeared to be no sign of the attackers; only a ladder over the side of MV Caravos Horizon was spotted.
An MoD source said once Monmouth was on scene, a team of Royal Marine Commandos, backed up by a Royal Navy Boarding Team, embarked on MVCaravos Horizon by helicopter and boats. They systematically worked their way through the vessel ensuring it was clear of intruders. Lt Harry Lane RM, the Officer Commanding the Royal Marines, said: “I was immensely proud of the way my team conducted themselves. This was a time critical operation; it was late in the day and we had very little daylight left.”
As soon as it became clear that the attackers had fled, the boarding team freed the crew from their refuge and handed control of the vessel back to the Master.
The Captain of HMS Monmouth, Commander Dean Bassett Royal Navy said: “My entire Ship’s Company responded swiftly to the plight of fellow mariners and was determined to play its part in ensuring that HMS Monmouth was fully prepared to come to the aid of MV Caravos Horizon.”
Cdr Bassett added: “Although in this instance the assailants had fled whilst we approached, our robust response will act as a deterrent to others from committing such crimes and provide reassurance to the maritime community that we are here to safeguard the high seas.”
The MV Caravos Horizon continued her voyage and Monmouth returned to her operational tasking under the Combined Maritime Forces to disrupt and deter piracy