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British Forces deployed to assist stricken cruise liner in Falklands
DB News: 20/11/2015 - 11:45
Military assets have been sent on a cruise ship rescue to support the Falkland Island government.
British forces based in the Falkland Islands responded to a destress call by the 10,000 tonne cruise ship Le Boreal, after it was reported to be suffering a major engine room fire causing a loss of power.
The power loss resulted in the ship drifting in accordance to wind power and a north-westerly gale placed the ship in significant danger of grounding on Cape Dolphin, East Falkland.
The Falkland Islands government and British Forces combined their efforts to enact a major search and rescue plan. The action involved two Royal Air Force Sea King Search and Rescue helicopters, along with the support of two other helicopters, a C130 Hercules and a Voyager aircraft for command and control.
The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Clyde was despatched to the scene, in addition to Dutch tugs, which support British Forces and the Falkland Islands.
The operation was coordinated from Mount Pleasant, Royal Air Force Search and Rescue helicopters, supported by British International and Bristows helicopters and successfully retrieved 79 people from the deck of the Le Boreal and from two life rafts in the water.
HMS Clyde assisted two additional lifeboats carrying over 200 evacuees and ensured they were brought to safety.
All passengers are now accounted for and the vessel itself is in a stable condition with two Dutch Tugs under contract to British Forces bringing the vessel alongside for a detailed assessment of its condition.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “This successful rescue in the Falklands this morning demonstrates how our Armed Forces are always ready to help those in peril. The swift action taken by Royal Navy and Royal Air Force crews, working with civilian counterparts, saved many lives and prevented this developing into a human tragedy.”
Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Commodore Darren Bone, said: “We responded with everything we had yesterday to assist in what was an extremely complex and hazardous rescue operation in difficult conditions but I am delighted that we can report all of the passengers and crew of the vessel are safe and well and the vessel itself in a stable condition.
“This was a huge team effort involving close liaison with the Falkland Islands government and I am enormously impressed with the reaction by all the British forces involved, it was an exemplary performance all round.”
