Royal Navy ship RFA Argus to support relief effort after tropical storm Eta sweeps through Honduras
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RFA Argus is now off the north east coast of Honduras to support the nation after it was hit by tropical storm Eta last week, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people and flooding across large areas of the country.
Working alongside the US military, the ship’s Merlin and Wildcat helicopters will carry out surveys of the damage and fly aid to isolated areas if needed.
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Hide AdRoyal Navy Commander Kate Muir, the head of the UK Task Group in the Caribbean, said: ‘RFA Argus and embarked Royal Navy personnel will support US helicopters, conduct aerial surveys of hurricane damage and fly emergency relief stores to remote areas that have been cut off by landslides.
‘There is another storm coming, so it’s imperative we act quickly.’
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship has been in the region since April, ready to assist British Overseas Territories and communities in the region in the event of a disaster.
Alongside HMS Medway, who remains in the Caribbean, RFA Argus has been at the centre of the Royal Navy’s efforts to provide support throughout the hurricane season as well as carrying out counter-narcotics operations.
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Hide AdLast month, the ship assisted two daring drug busts in the region that seized more than £160m of cocaine.
RFA Argus’ commanding officer, Captain Kevin Rimell, said: ‘Following a spate of recent counter narcotics successes, RFA Argus has been requested to assist US military forces currently providing aid to Honduras.
‘With a platform of this size and capability and with our own aviation assets, RFA Argus is an ideal unit to assist at this difficult time. We are currently proceeding at best speed towards the area of operations conducting on board preparations as my team re-role to support the US relief efforts in Honduras.’
The Royal Navy is not planning for any personnel to go ashore, but also embarked are Royal Marines of 47 Commando and a Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando Royal Engineers, who have trained this year in British Overseas Territories to deliver aid and repair damaged infrastructure.
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Hide AdThey may be called on to advise US operations, according to a statement from the Royal Navy.