The Royal Navy Frigate HMS Monmouth has concluded a dramatic rescue from the St Vincent and Grenadines registered cargo vessel Afrodite S in the Mediterranean. The Afrodite S was on passage when her cargo of bulk cement shifted resulting in her taking in water. HMS Monmouth then launched her Merlin helicopter to aid the stricken vessel with its eleven Romanian crew. All crewmembers were airlifted off the ship by Monmouthís Merlin helicopter in conjunction with a Greek rescue helicopter, which then transported the crew to the Greek mainland. HMS Monmouthís Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Peacock, said: "Saving a fellow sailor is one of the fundamental laws of the sea and I am immensely proud of the way my sailors have performed in rendering assistance to the ëAfrodite Sí. "Their actions are in the finest traditions of the Royal Navy and demonstrate the diverse roles Monmouth is able to perform. "We are delighted to have been able to offer our assistance along with our allies from Greece in this dangerous operation. It was apparent to all that Afrodite S was in distress, in worsening weather and sea state conditions and we have done all that we possibly can to help". The Devonport-based warship HMS Monmouth, currently on patrol as part of Operation Active Endeavour in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a Type 23 Duke class frigate with a length of 133 metres and displacing over 4000 tonnes. She is equipped with the latest weapons, sensors and communications systems, including the vertical launch Seawolf missile system for close air defence, a 4.5 inch gun, anti-submarine torpedoes, harpoon anti-ship missiles and an RNAS Culdrose based Merlin helicopter.
