HMS Richmond returning home early due to weather

HMS Richmond has been in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian

Warship HMS Richmond is to return to its home port in Plymouth a day earlier than planned, the Royal Navy has confirmed.

The frigate, which has been patrolling the Red Sea for six weeks, was due to return home on Thursday.

But the navy said the poor weather forecast had led to a decision to bring the vessel back to Devonport on Wednesday.

HMS Richmond had been patrolling the sea to defend merchant ships which had come under attack from Houthi rebels, a navy spokesperson said.

On Wednesday, the Met Office issued a severe weather warning for wind covering parts of Devon, including Plymouth, between 07:00 GMT and 18:00 on Thursday.

The warning said: "Strong winds and large coastal waves may lead to hazardous conditions."

BBC Weather has forecast thunders and rain during Thursday in Plymouth.

HMS Richmond had been taking part in Operation Prosperity Guardian, which was launched internationally just before Christmas to protect maritime trade in the Red Sea area.

Merchant vessels have been attacked in the area by Houthi rebels in response to the war in Gaza.

Missiles targeted drones

The navy said the crew had to fire Sea Ceptor missiles once during the mission after a merchant vessel named Sky II was struck by a Houthi missile on 9 March.

The navy added it was the first time such missiles had been fired in combat and were able to bring down drones after 57 missiles and drones were launched from sites in Yemen.

The frigate's Wildcat helicopter also watched over teams from the navy and Royal Marines as they searched seven vessels to check if illegal cargoes were being carried.