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The Ministry of Defence has officially announced the deployment of the RFA Lyme Bay to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to ongoing maritime operational needs in the region.
This versatile landing ship is well-equipped to support humanitarian missions and disaster relief, with essential aviation and medical facilities on board.
The deployment comes at a critical time, as over 700,000 individuals have fled Beirut, Lebanon, due to escalating violence and Israeli bombings.
The situation has rapidly deteriorated, prompting the urgent need for evacuation assistance for British nationals in the area.
According to BBC reports, more than 170,000 people across the Middle East have registered with the UK government for assistance. So far, 37,000 of these individuals have been successfully evacuated via organised charter flights.
In addition to the RFA Lyme Bay’s deployment, the Ministry of Defence has also confirmed that HMS Dragon will be sent to the region to defend RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. HMS Dragon will play a crucial role in providing military support and security in response to the evolving situation.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: “As part of prudent planning, we have taken the decision to bring RFA Lyme Bay to heightened readiness as a precaution, should she be needed to assist in maritime tasks in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Courts Minister Sarah Sackman KC has addressed ongoing speculation regarding the potential deployment of HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, to the Eastern Mediterranean.
She has downplayed these rumours, suggesting that there are currently no plans to send the aircraft carrier to the region. This clarification aims to manage expectations while ensuring that the government has resources in place to aid those in need during this crisis.
On Monday, the Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs HMS Dragon would sail from Portsmouth “in the next couple of days”.
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