RFA Argus Sent To Assist Honduras After Storm Eta

RFA Argus is being sent to Honduras to help deliver humanitarian assistance after Storm Eta.

James Heappey MP, Minister for the Armed Forces, authorised the deployment of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship after the Central American country made a call for assistance in the wake of the storm, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said. 

In a statement on Twitter, Mr Heappey said the storm had caused "devastation" and RFA Argus will support the UK’s "allies, the United States, in delivering humanitarian assistance".

Eta moved into Honduras last Wednesday as a weakened tropical depression after it made landfall on Nicaragua, as a Category 4 hurricane the day before.

More than 80 British Army soldiers, deployed to neighbouring Belize on a training exercise, have been helping the country following Storm Eta.

Troops from The Royal Dragoon Guards, Royal Lancers and 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland are helping after widespread flash flooding and landslides.

RFA Argus, a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship, is deployed to the Caribbean region as part of a Royal Navy task group, providing support to British Overseas Terrorities during hurricane season. 

Alongside HMS Medway, the ship also helps to support maritime security and counter-narcotics operations in the region.

The task group recently underwent disaster relief exercises on the island of Montserrat. 

Eta was later upgraded to a tropical storm and has caused flooding in Florida after making its way through Central America.

Cover image: RFA Argus and Royal Navy helicopter in Bermuda for reconnaissance sortie ahead of hurricane season (Picture: Royal Navy).