UK offers assets for Mediterranean rescue operations
The UK government has offered to send the HMS Bulwark LPD amphibious ship and three Merlin helicopters to assist in migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
During the announcement made on 24 April, the government also offered to send two civilian border patrol boats for the European Union rescue operations.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron also welcomed the fact that other countries in the European Union were offering their military assets. He called for a more comprehensive and longer-term strategy.
HMS Bulwark was most recently in Turkey to support the Gallipoli Centenary events. It departed on 26 April.
As part of the offer, the amphibious ship would work in tandem with the Merlin surveillance helicopters to provide day-and-night search and rescue capability covering ranges in excess of 100 miles.
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