Royal Navy ship RFA Argus to support relief effort after tropical storm Eta sweeps through Honduras

THE Royal Navy has dispatched a ship from its Caribbean task group to provide relief in Honduras following a deadly tropical storm that has displaced tens of thousands of people.
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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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Royal 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.

RFA Argus is off the coast of Honduras to support with disaster relief efforts following tropical storm Eta's landfall. Picture: Royal NavyRFA Argus is off the coast of Honduras to support with disaster relief efforts following tropical storm Eta's landfall. Picture: Royal Navy
RFA Argus is off the coast of Honduras to support with disaster relief efforts following tropical storm Eta's landfall. Picture: Royal Navy

‘There is another storm coming, so it’s imperative we act quickly.’

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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.

The view of RFA Argus from a Merlin helicopter from 845 Commando Helicopter Force. Picture: Royal NavyThe view of RFA Argus from a Merlin helicopter from 845 Commando Helicopter Force. Picture: Royal Navy
The view of RFA Argus from a Merlin helicopter from 845 Commando Helicopter Force. Picture: Royal Navy
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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.’

A Merlin helicopter from 845 Commando Helicopter Force in flight over The British Virgin Islands. Picture: Royal NavyA Merlin helicopter from 845 Commando Helicopter Force in flight over The British Virgin Islands. Picture: Royal Navy
A Merlin helicopter from 845 Commando Helicopter Force in flight over The British Virgin Islands. Picture: Royal Navy

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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They may be called on to advise US operations, according to a statement from the Royal Navy.

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