Faced with the tragedy in the Mediterranean, the United Kingdom responds “present”.

(BRUSSELS2, at the European Council) On his arrival at the European Summit a few minutes ago, the British Prime Minister was very brief but determined. We feel a man in the middle of an election campaign, determined to impose himself as a real leader. " What is happening in the Mediterranean is a real tragedy " he said. This meeting aims to to save lives. Saving lives involves rescuing people, fighting gangs and stabilizing the region. Britain has something to help (...) We are the biggest defense budget ". David Cameron does not stop at generalities... He proposes.

UK responds

Specifically, the Prime Minister has offered to make available in the Mediterranean for rescue and control missions, the flagship of the British fleet, the amphibious ship, HMS Bulwart, 3 helicopters and 2 other border patrol boats. " Whenever there has been a tragedy, the UK has always been there And this time there will be no exception. " The tone is set ! David Cameron, however, put a condition to the rescue of the shipwrecked: the people collected will have to be sheltered in a country, in Italy, but will not be repatriated to the United Kingdom.

The flagship of the British fleet in the Mediterranean

The HMS Bulwart (L-15), is particularly suitable for this type of operation. It has, in fact, a vast capacity in its lower decks to accommodate several hundred people. Commanded by the Captain Nick Cooke Priest, it can thus accommodate marine troops and their vehicles, in the event of a landing: between 200 (long duration) and 500 soldiers (short duration). A capacity that can be used to accommodate people rescued at sea. It has a flight deck for several Lynx-type helicopters, which can go for reconnaissance or first aid - as well as a raft that can accommodate 4 barges disembarkation — a very convenient way to meet ships in distress. Served by a crew of about 300 people, equipped with modern means of communication, it can also serve as a floating headquarters.

Comment: as we said in our article published in our Club/Pro edition this morning (read: A maritime operation to fight traffickers. first elements), the deployment of a military operation in the Mediterranean should not suffer, like previous operations, from a lack of means. Member States seem determined. By putting a big ship on the table right now, the United Kingdom is in a way forcing other countries to do the same.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)