MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands, HMS Medway delivered medical support to Tristan da Cunha

The trip to the remote Tristan da Cunha with six civilian medics and critical supplies was geared to support a British national suspected of having contracted Hantavirus

HMS Medway, currently South Atlantic patrol and stationed at Mare Harbor in the Falkland Islands successfully concluded an 18day deployment, sailing from the Falkland Islands to Tristan da Cunha and back, delivering critical medical support to a British national and returning safely with the Pathfinders.

The trip to the remote South Atlantic island, with six civilian medics and critical supplies was geared to support a British national suspected of having contracted Hantavirus.

After making the journey to one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, in seas with swells of up to 6 meters, HMS Medway embarked six civilian medics and essential supplies, enabling a seamless handover with the team already on the ground. Once complete, the ship recovered the Pathfinders from 16 Air Assault Brigade, bringing the operation to a successful close.

This operation showcased true joint integration, with RAF aircrew first inserting Pathfinder paratroopers onto Tristan da Cunha, before delivering essential PPE to the Falkland Islands to sustain operations.

British Army Pathfinders established the initial presence on the ground, while Royal Navy sailors aboard HMS Medway provided the follow-on support, additional supplies, and recovery.

Enabled by “British Forces South Atlantic Islands, BFSAI, the operation highlights the UK’s ability to project reach, respond rapidly, and support British nationals wherever they are”, concludes the official report on the joint mission.

The remote island of Tristan da Cunha has approximately 240 full-time residents and the population is concentrated entirely in the settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas on the main island. The isolated island is a UK overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. It features a main inhabited island of 98 km², surrounded by smaller, uninhabited nature reserves and administratively is an equal part of the territory of Saint Helena and Ascension islands