Portsmouth warship to take over shipping protection duties

Portsmouth-based warship HMS Diamond is returning to the Red Sea to defend commercial shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels.

The Type-45 destroyer is taking over from HMS Richmond.

The warship destroyed nine drones in its previous deployment in the region in December and January.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Protecting shipping around the world is one of the navy’s key tasks and this deployment shows how our highly skilled sailors and advanced warships are helping to keep our sea lanes safe.

"Britain continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Houthis’ dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners.

"I thank the crew of HMS Richmond for their incredible work and am confident that HMS Diamond will continue to stand up for freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers."

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