Hat-trick for HMS Montrose

After two drug finds in February, the British frigate Montrose have now scored again. The soldiers were able to seize drugs worth more than three million pounds on a suspected dhow. The helicopter of the Montrose had discovered the small boat in the northern Arabian Sea. The commander decided to investigate and steered his ship in the direction of the dhow. Only when the frigate, the boarding team in a speedboat and the Sea Lynx had located the suspicious boat did its captain stop. The boarding team then found three tonnes of illegal substances on board, including 2.8 tonnes of heroin alone. The frigate stationed in Bahrain had only recently taken part in an exercise off the coast of Oman.
For Commander Ollie Hucker, the drug discovery signalled the extraordinary end of his time in command. Just one day later, he was replaced by Commander Collins as planned. "Whether on my first day or my last, these successes are only possible thanks to the combined efforts and skill of the incredibly professional, well-trained and passionate people who work for the Royal Navy and whom I have the honour of commanding," said the 39-year-old after the operation was completed.

Sea Lynx and boarding team operated together

Text: mb; Photos: Royal Navy/Crown Copyright