For the first time in over 50 years, a Royal Navy warship has visited the East African archipelago of Zanzibar.
Currently deployed to the region, the Portsmouth based HMS Richmond stopped off to collect stores after a lengthy period at sea carrying out maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean.
The Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Seif Ali Iddi visited the vessel for a tour.
Commander Mark Anderson Royal Navy, the ship’s Commanding Officer, said:
It’s a real privilege to be the first Royal Navy ship to visit Zanzibar in a generation; this visit will strengthen ties with an important regional partner in the fight against maritime crime.
With the Tanzanian Navy and also ships from France and Australia, Richmond is working in the Indian Ocean as part of the Combined Maritime Forces Combined Task Force 150, their mission is to promote maritime security and cut down on terrorist activity and other illegal activities.
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Image: Royal Navy