HMS Bulwark to be replaced by HMS Enterprise in the Mediterranean

HMS Bulwark was deployed at short notice on 5 May and has saved over 3,000 lives. It will now return to the UK for planned maintenance and be replaced by the HMS Enterprise, a Survey Vessel Hydrographic and Oceanographic (SVHO), which the Ministry of Defence claim is ‘well suited’ to the EU operation’s new focus to go after criminal gangs and smugglers.

Enterprise has a capacity to hold up to 120 people, with an on board crew of between 60 and 70. A UK Merlin helicopter will also remain in the area to support the operation and help spot migrant vessels.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “HMS Bulwark has played a vital role in dealing with the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, saving more than 3,000 lives.

“But we’ve always been clear that to tackle the migrant crisis Europe needs a comprehensive plan that tackles the problem at source. That means going after the criminal gangs, the smugglers, the owners of the boats – the people who are making money out of this trade in misery.

“As a multi role survey ship, HMS Enterprise is well placed to provide important assistance as we now move into this next stage. Meanwhile, HMS Bulwark will return to the UK for essential maintenance.”

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