British Survey Ship Part Of Mediterranean Counter Terror Mission

HMS Echo saved more than 200 people off the coast of Libya at the start of 2018 (Picture: NATO TV).

Royal Navy personnel are in the Mediterranean as part of Operation Sea Guardian, NATO's mission to deter and counter terrorism.

The survey ship HMS Echo is working alongside the Croatian Navy vessel Vukovar and the Italian Navy's Espero as part of the multi-national NATO mission.

For almost two years, HMS Echo has been operating in the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on a mission to deter and counter terrorism, as well as tackling people trafficking.

In January, HMS Echo rescued 240 people near the coast of Libya.

Commander Mathew Warren, Commanding Officer of HMS Echo, said: "The eastern Mediterranean Sea is certainly very important for the movements of, not just what we might consider usual maritime trade - the legitimate business of commerce, but also potentially the movement of illegal transhipment of oil, associated with political situations throughout the eastern Mediterranean.

"And potentially also, the illegal movement of arms which might contribute to some of the region's trouble spots."

Focused patrols take place for three weeks every two months, important when building up a comprehensive picture of daily activities in the Mediterranean.  

HMS Echo is based in Devonport and can carry a small detachment of Royal Marines.