Bulwark speeds to the rescue in Gulf drama

[Anth]

Amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark has come to the rescue of a stricken merchant vessel while conducting Maritime Security Operations off the Somali coast.

HMS Bulwark comes to the rescue of the stikcen merchant vessel MV Ocean D.
[Picture: Royal Navy]

On Monday 12 June 2006 the ship received a call for help from the Maltese registered 'MV Ocean D' which reported a fire in the engine room. Boat groups of Royal Marines were sent to help and, although the merchant crew managed to extinguish the fire, the ship was left drifting and helpless in potentially dangerous waters.

Bulwark stayed close by her all night, keeping other ships away from the unlit and drifting vessel and providing re-assurance to the crew that they would be safe from any pirate attacks or collision.

At first light on Tuesday morning, while awaiting the arrival of a salvage tug from Aden, Royal Navy experts visited the ship to assess its safety and to offer food and water. Medical first aid was also administered to one of the crew members who had suffered superficial burns and other minor injuries.

The Royal Navy team were also able to provide communication equipment so that the sailors could talk to their families at home in Greece and Romania who had heard of the fire but had received no news since. HMS Bulwark is now making passage with her and the salvage tug to ensure their safety as they return to the port of Aden.

Commanding Officer HMS Bulwark, Captain Clive Johnstone said:

"This underpins HMS Bulwark's approach to affect the local maritime community in a positive way, as a force for good. The Royal Navy has a long tradition of supporting fellow mariners and it was fortunate that HMS Bulwark was in a position to render assistance so promptly in these uncertain waters."

A Boat group of Royal Marines approaches the MV Ocean D.
[Picture: Royal Navy]

Maritime Security Operations (MSO) set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complementing the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. It denies the illegal use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Coalition maritime forces conduct MSO in international waters in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. MSO includes a full range of activities from assisting mariners in distress to visiting, boarding, searching and seizure operations, to also engaging regional and coalition navies.

Bulwark is the Royal Navy's newest commando assault command and control ship. Launched in November 2001 she has a ship's company of 390, a quarter of whom are made up from 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines. In addition the ship can carry up to 700 troops and her flight deck can accommodate a Chinook or two Merlin helicopters. A large floodable dock holds four large landing craft with another four carried on the ship’s side.

The ship deployed to the Indian Ocean and Middle East in January and will return to the UK later in the year in time to be one of the star attractions of this year’s Navy Days which is being held at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

MoD News Link