• Tugboat that was sinking off the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla sent out an SOS.
• HMS Medway was 20 miles to the west of Sint Maarten when it learned of the SOS.
• Crew sought safety on huge barge loaded with sand after the tug started to flood.

Five individuals were saved by the crew of a Royal Navy cruiser after their tugboat capsized in the Caribbean.

On Friday, a tugboat that was sinking off the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla sent out an SOS, and HMS Medway replied.

When the tug started to flood, the crew sought safety on a huge barge loaded with sand.

The five members, who were “uninjured but shaken”, were recused and taken ashore, the Royal Navy said.

“Whilst we were cautious as we made our approach to the barge and tug, we were able to reassure the crew and transfer them clear of the barge safely,” HMS Medway‘s boatswain, Petty Officer Sarah Griffiths, said.

She added the five crew members from the tug “were hugely grateful”.

Portsmouth-based The Royal Navy’s enduring presence in the area, HMS Medway, was 20 miles to the west of Sint Maarten when it learned of the SOS.

The warship’s executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Carla Higgins said: “The swift-thinking and actions of the team were fantastic and we were thankful to be conducting routine maritime security operations in the area to become the on-scene commander working with the local authorities, and assist the crew to safety.”

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