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HMS Richmond joins mission to tackle migrant smugglers in the Mediterranean
DB News: 26/10/2015 - 11:19
It now has the authority to stop and detain suspected migrant smugglers and disable their vessels. The Type 23 frigate’s arrival comes after the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2240 (2015), which gives the commanding officer power to conduct enforcement action on the high seas. This includes the ability to board and seize boats which are suspected to be involved in migrant smuggling.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “These new powers are an important step forward. We will now be able to board the boats and detain the smugglers.
“Sending HMS Richmond to join HMS Enterprise in the Mediterranean shows Britain’s determination to tackle this trade in human misery at source. We’ll hit the traffickers hard.”
On board the HMS Richmond, a FRONTEX liaison officer will be on hand to advise the crew on legal issues including the identification, collection and preservation of evidence which could be used in criminal proceedings.
The warship will be joining the UK service vessel HMS Enterprise, which continues its work to locate the migrant smugglers operating on the seas in support of this phase of the mission.
