British Forces assist stricken cruise liner in the Falklands
British forces based in the Falkland Islands responded to a distress call put out by the cruise ship Le Boreal on 18 November.
Image: RAF/UK Crown Copyright 2015
In support of the Falkland Island Government, British forces based in the Falkland Islands responded to a distress call put out by the cruise ship Le Boreal on 18 November. The ship reported suffering a major engine room fire, which caused the loss of all power and left the ship drifting. A north-westerly gale placed the ship in danger of grounding on Cape Dolphin, East Falkland. The master ordered the crew and 347 passengers to abandon ship early in the morning.
Working closely with the Falkland Islands Government, British Forces enacted a major search and rescue plan. Two Royal Air Force Sea King Search and Rescue helicopters were scrambled, along with two other support helicopters, a C-130 Hercules and a Voyager aircraft for command and control. The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Clyde was despatched to the scene, as were Dutch tugs which support British Forces in the Falkland Islands.
In an operation co-ordinated from Mount Pleasant, Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopters, supported by British International and Bristow helicopters, successfully winched 79 people from the deck of the Le Boreal and from two life rafts in the water. All of these evacuees were brought to the British Forces Base at Mount Pleasant where they received care, clothing, food and medical attention. HMS Clyde assisted two further lifeboats with over 200 evacuees onboard, ensuring they were brought to safety.
All passengers and crew from Le Boreal were accounted for.
Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Cdre Darren Bone, said: “We responded with everything we had yesterday to assist in what was an extremely complex and hazardous rescue operation in difficult conditions, but I am delighted that we can report all of the passengers and crew of the vessel are safe and well and the vessel itself in a stable condition. This was a huge team effort involving close liaison with the Falkland Islands Government and I am enormously impressed with the reaction by all the British forces involved, it was an exemplary performance all round.”