Head of the UK Aviation Training Ship, Captain Gerard A. Patterson. Photo: Javon Liburd/VINO

The RFA Argus ship sent by the UK to aid overseas territories. Photo: Javon Liburd/VINO

Captain of the Ship, Gerard A. Patterson, stated in a press briefing held aboard the ship on Tuesday August 21, 2012, that along with their mission of aiding British overseas territories with providing help in the event of natural disasters occurring, they will also supervise the waters to ensure that drug trades that are so prevalent in Caribbean countries decrease. 

The Captain said “It won’t come as a surprise to anybody that there is a very operational drug trade, and that this particular island lies on one of the main routes; so one of our main tasks while we are out here is to intercept that drug trade and to disrupt it.” 

Captain Patterson added that he and his crew members will “provide security to the island by helping to disrupt that drug trade. If need be the vessel will interdict, stop and board suspicious craft. This will especially be done if the crew is notified that something is taking place or if they see something.” 

In light of this, he stated that they will be on the lookout for suspicious boats in the territory’s waters. “We are looking for suspicious activities, suspicious direction, and suspicious craft.” 

As an example, he stated that a fishing boat with nets on it, that is doing 30 knots in the water, is not a fishing boat.

The Captain also stated that there are other indicators, where they would know what boats exactly to look out for. “We might have intelligence from various sources collecting information by listening stations, from human intelligence, from informants, or simply people on the ground seeing a vessel being loaded with contraband.” 

According to the captain, he is fully permitted to board such vessels. “Every island nation, both UK Overseas Territories and independent territories/countries, have territorial waters. However, there are various agreements between the UK, the overseas islands, the independent islands/nations and the US, and we are all parties to bilateral agreements.” 

The ship is expected to be in Caribbean waters until December, according to the Captain, who added that this is its first time being in this part of the world. He stated that another ship will take over when they leave. 

“The UK will continue to provide this aid and hold their commitment to the overseas territories… This is a way of reassurance to the overseas territories, to spread the message that the UK is still present in the region, particularly for the purpose if assistance is required.” 

The ship has been to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and then here in the VI. The ship left for Anguilla late on Tuesday, August 21, 2012.