Royal Marines based in Angus are helping to save lives of asylum seekers in the Mediterranean Sea.
An estimated 800 people died when a ship sank off the Libyan coast in April and the Royal Navy’s flagship has joined the humanitarian mission to prevent more deaths.
On board HMS Bulwark are 40 members of 45 Commando, assisting with search and rescue efforts.
The unit assumed the role of Lead Commando the spearhead of any UK response to crises around the world on May 1 and went to sea the next day.
Yankee Company marines are providing security on the landing craft used to conduct searches and in the bulk of rescue efforts. The craft have been loaded with life jackets, food and emergency supplies.
Lieutenant Steven Hunt, commanding officer of 8 Troop, said: “Winning the hearts and minds of the migrants, the lads were as eager as ever to chat to the survivors and learn the unique stories that had led so many to end up on board, having travelled from various parts of Africa, as they provided round-the-clock security and care.”
The commander of 7 Troop, Lieutenant Joseph Franklin, said: “As a troop commander fresh from young officer training, I was glad to see that all our hard training has paid off.
“When the day of the ‘race’ came around, we were all well prepared and our tasking went off without a hitch. A selection of 45 Commando took over the role of personal searches, ensuring the safety and security of the ship and other survivors.”
Over the last decade, the central Mediterranean route has experienced periodic surges in migrant traffic.
UN refugee agency figures suggest 25,000 people fled to Italy from North Africa in 2005, a number that dwindled to 9,573 in 2009.
In 2011 this figure rocketed to some 61,000, driven by the conflict in Libya that culminated in the downfall of Colonel Gaddafi. Some 1,830 migrants have died at sea this year trying to reach Italy.