Royal Navy warships begin World Cup security mission in Gulf

Royal Navy warships have begun their FIFA World Cup security mission – spending the next two months safeguarding the waters around the host nation Qatar.

Three Navy minehunters, plus their mothership, have been tasked to remain in and around Qatar and the Central Gulf until Christmas as part of the Qatari-led international security effort – making sure the football spectacle is not ruined by any hostile acts.

The Red Arrows and RAF Typhoon jets recently flew over Doha ahead of the tournament – RAF Typhoons are currently based in Qatar to support air security operations.

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Sea vessels HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Bangor will conduct round-the-clock patrols of the sea lanes leading to the Gulf state, using state-of-the-art sonar and underwater remote-controlled devices to locate and identify any mines or bombs, and use either clearance divers or the Seafox submersible to render them harmless by safely blowing them up.

Watch: Typhoon jets set off for security role at Qatar World Cup last month.

HMS Middleton will remain on standby to provide additional support if needed.

The ships will spend the time leading up to the tournament, which opens on 20 November with the host nation taking on Ecuador, accurately mapping key sea lanes.

Their sonar is powerful enough to pick out an object as small as a can of cola – making it easier to identify any recent changes or anomalies.

In addition, the British trio will support the broader security mission at sea, generally keeping an eye out for suspicious or unusual activity.

Their actions will be directed from support vessel RFA Cardigan Bay, which will act as a command ship throughout the tournament with a specialist battle staff of minehunting experts.

Commander Adrian Visram, who is overseeing the Royal Navy effort with his staff, said his team had a wealth of experience to draw upon to help ensure the tournament runs smoothly.

"Our minehunting force has been out here for 16 years keeping the sea routes open: the continuing flow of trade and energy during these tumultuous times is even more vital to UK interests," he said.

"It is an immense privilege to command the Royal Navy's support to the FIFA World Cup, building upon the strong defence relationship between Qatar and the UK.

"This demonstrates our commitment to working with international allies and partners to protect against threats overseas and promote our values," he added.

The ships left their home base in Bahrain last week, making the short 120-mile journey to Doha, which will be their base now until the winners lift the trophy on 18 December.