Brocklesby deals with 'very real threat' off besieged Misrata

THIS is the first, chilling image of a mine laid by Gaddafi’s forces off the beleaguered city of Misrata – and blown up by HMS Brocklesby minutes later.

Crudely tethered to an inflatable boat – sunk to serve as a makeshift ‘mooring’ – the mine packs 100kg explosive and was laid just a mile off the entrance to the Libyan port.

It was one of three dumped in the waters off Misrata by pro-Gaddafi forces – who have made repeated attempts to close the port.

The city has been held by rebel forces for several weeks, but is under siege from government troops who have made concerted efforts to re-take the city on land, and to halt the flow of humanitarian aid by sea.

NATO forces enforcing UN Security Council resolutions off Libya observed pro-Gaddafi forces laying three tethered mines. Allied mine warfare forces – part of the 19-strong NATO armada in the Gulf of Sirte – were ordered in to deal with the threat.

With Brocklesby closed up at action stations and all the ship’s company in anti-flash, her state-of-the-art sonar and Seafox disposal system were used to locate one of the mines – the latter hi-tech piece of kit provided a live video feed back to the Portsmouth-based minehunter’s ops room.

With the order ‘Command approved’ from CO Lt Cdr James Byron, a charge from Seafox blew up the mine – causing a small plume of first white and then black water to rise above the surface as the device and the sunken inflatable were sent to kingdom come.

“This is exactly the kind of operation my crew have trained for: dealing with live mines posing a threat to legitimate shipping within sight and range of shore bombardment," said Lt Cdr Byron.

“My team have handled themselves superbly in the execution of this mission reacting stoutly to the very real threat posed by rockets and artillery ashore.”

A second mine was blown up by another NATO vessel, while the third mine became detached from its mooring and floated off. Minehunters are continuing the search for it, but in the meantime the port of Misrata remains open – for aid to flow in and for civilians to leave if they wish to.

“I am extremely pleased we have been able to dispose of ordnance in the approaches to Misrata that is now a vital lifeline for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Libya,” Lt Cdr Byron added.

“Our actions on behalf of NATO are directly contributing to the continued welfare of the Libyan people.

“In helping to keep the port of Misrata open we are ensuring the continued flow of essential medical assistance and allowing the evacuation innocent civilians from the country.”

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox praised the Brocklesby team for their “vital work” off Libya.

“This is helping prevent Qadhafi forces from sealing off the port to deny medical and food supplies to the people of Misrata," he added.