Marines support maritime policing in the Caribbean
Royal Marines are in the British Overseas Territories of the Turks and Caicos Islands to help minimise the effects of coronavirus
Royal Marines Troop from 45 Commando, Zulu Company are working alongside the Royal Turks and Caicos Maritime Police Department, with assistance from a Landing Craft specialist from 47 Commando.
The team consists of around 30 Royal Marines who specialise in all areas. They will be working closely with the island’s maritime police department over the coming weeks in response to the COVID19 pandemic.
The commandos arrived on the island late April and were put in a mandatory 14-day quarantine — but this didn't stop them getting to work. They have been conducting virtual meetings with Turks and Caicos government and the Security Assistance Team who are already out on the island.
Also deployed out in the Caribbean is RFA Argus. The support ship sailed across the Atlantic from Devon at the beginning of April.
Every year between June and November, it is hurricane season for the North Atlantic and the Caribbean and the Royal Navy is there to lend a hand.
The Royal Navy’s disaster relief specialists on RFA Argus have been testing their skills across the Caribbean.
The Navy support ship is also ready and prepared to help with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic if required — but her main role is to provide support during the upcoming hurricane season.
The UK Government is working closely with the Overseas Territories to ensure they are best equipped to deal with the effects coronavirus is having on the island.
The commandos will be helping the already deployed Security Assistance Team, who are there to assist the local government with planning and mitigation. This could include counter-illegal immigration operations.
