Crew of British hospital ship prepare for Sierra Leone Ebola mission

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RFA Argus is expected to sail on Friday loaded with equipment, supplies and personnel to help tackle crisis in west Africa
RFA Argus in Falmouth
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Argus is loaded with supplies in port at Falmouth in Cornwall. Photograph: Atlas Photo Archive/Demotix/Corbis

The officers and crew of a naval vessel preparing to head for Sierra Leone to help tackle the Ebola crisis have said they are ready for the mission and keen to help.

Hospital ship RFA Argus is expected to set sail at high water on Friday loaded with equipment, supplies and personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel Rich Cantrill on the role of the Royal Marines in Sierra Leone.

The ship, part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, will act as a forward base for the British mission in Sierra Leone. Its 80 medical staff will be on hand to treat British personnel, NHS staff and others who are setting up field hospitals on the ground.

It will also transport helicopters to Africa that will move people and supplies around – and marines who will provide security for the British mission.

Surgeon Lieutenant Dan Hawkins on his role aboard RFA Argus

The ship includes a 100-bed hospital and operating theatres but it will not treat anyone with Ebola. Anyone who contracts the disease will be treated at the field hospitals.

Commanding officer Capt David Eagles, said some crew members and their families had expressed concern at the mission. “It’s a very emotional topic. But I’m confident we can do our job safely and professionally.”

Captain David Eagles, commanding officer of RFA Argus.

Though some personnel – such as the marines – will go onshore most of the ship’s crew and medics will remain on board for two or three-month tours. The ship has been told to prepare to be away for six months.