Home Americas UK Royal Navy deploys casualty ship Argus to the Caribbean

UK Royal Navy deploys casualty ship Argus to the Caribbean

RFA Argus
RFA Argus deploying in support of COVID-19 response. Photo: Royal Navy

Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Argus has set sail for British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean ahead of the upcoming hurricane season and and to assist with the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

RFA Argus’ deployment to the Caribbean had been scheduled for the hurricane season, but she will now be able to play a part in ensuring the UK government is ready to support the overseas territories during the pandemic.

Deploying on board RFA Argus on April 2 were Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Royal Navy sailors and aviators from 815 Naval Air Squadron and 845 Naval Air Squadron.

A medical team could later join Argus in the Caribbean to support the UK government’s contribution to responding to Covid-19.

Argus carries on board stores equipped to react as the hurricane season approaches, including provisions of water and ration packs from the Department for International Development.

The ship is also equipped with materials to repair damage and clear blocked roads in support of local emergency services.

“The armed forces are taking decisive and coordinated action both at home and overseas to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak,” Minister of State for Defence Jeremy Quinn, responsible for the overseas territories, said.

“The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary have worked hard to ensure that RFA Argus is ready for the hurricane season in the Caribbean and now also able to support the UK’s overseas territories during the pandemic.”