The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that HMS Enterprise will replace HMS Bulwark in support of the EU mission to tackle the migration in the Mediterranean.
HMS Bulwark deployed at short notice on 5 May with the immediate mandate to save lives. During her deployment she has saved more than 3,000 lives but is now returning to the UK for planned maintenance.
The UK has been at the forefront of the Search and Rescue mission and will continue to make an important contribution.
HMS Enterprise, a Survey Vessel Hydrographic and Oceanographic (SVHO), is well suited to the next stage of the EU’s operation, which aims to go after the criminal gangs and smugglers.
The ship will contribute to the broad maritime capabilities desired by the Italian Operational Commander and will assist in the understanding and picture building of how the operation will go on to seize and disrupt the assets of smugglers.
The deployment of HMS Enterprise will see the UK make an appropriate contribution to the evolving Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operation in the Mediterranean.
However she will continue to respond to vessels in distress as is customary for all maritime vessels. She has the capacity to hold up to 120 people.
Enterprise will host a crew of between 60 and 70 for this mission and it is anticipated she will be on task until Autumn.
She will deploy alongside a broad range of EU member states’ assets, due to be announced following the Foreign Affairs Council today.
A UK Merlin helicopter will also remain on task and will assist in the spotting of migrant vessels.
Image: Royal Navy