Vigilance can reveal that HMS Brocklesby, one of the Royal Navy’s Mine Counter-Measures Vessels, has destroyed a mine laid by pro-Qadhafi forces in the port of Mistrata on the Libyan coast.
An MoD source said Forces loyal to Colonel Qadhafi have made repeated attempts to close down the port to limit the flow of humanitarian assistance to the population of Misrata.
Vigilance learnt that using her sonar and Under Water Mine Disposal System, Seafox, HMS Brocklesby successfully located and destroyed a buoyant mine just one mile from the entrance to the harbour. The mine, containing more than 100 kilograms of high explosives, had been crudely placed by pro-Qadhafi forces using an inflatable dinghy to transport it to sea.
Lieutenant Commander James Byron, Commanding Officer of HMS Brocklesby, said: “I am extremely pleased we have been able to dispose of ordnance in the approaches to Misrata that is now a vital lifeline for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Libya. Our actions on behalf of NATO are directly contributing to the continued welfare of the Libyan people. In helping to keep the port of Misrata open we are ensuring the continued flow of essential medical assistance and allowing the evacuation innocent civilians from the country.”
Lt. Commander Byron added: “This is exactly the kind of operation my Crew have trained for: dealing with live mines posing a threat to legitimate shipping within sight and range of shore bombardment. My team have handled themselves superbly in the execution of this mission reacting stoutly to the very real threat posed by rockets and artillery ashore.”
Misrata, as our Defence Team learnt is a critical port for the continued flow of humanitarian aid in to Libya and for the evacuation of displaced persons to safety.
Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said: "HMS Brocklesby is carrying out vital work to secure the waters off Misrata to allow humanitarian aid to reach the civilian population. This specialist capability is helping prevent Qadhafi forces from sealing off the port to deny medical and food supplies to the people of Misrata."
Vigilance gathered that within 24 hours of the reported laying of mines HMS Brocklesby and an allied ship were deployed to control the flow of traffic in and out of Misrata to protect shipping and conduct mine disposal operations. Both vessels disposed of mines to open the port for normal operations.
It is said HMS Brocklesby is operating in support of Operations Ellamy and Unified Protector to enforce the arms embargo off Libya and protect Libyan civilians from continued violence.