Falmouth-based RFA Argus to help fight Ebola in Sierra Leone

The hospital ship RFA Argus will leave Falmouth for Sierra Leone to help in the fight against Ebola.

It is due to sail away from its Cornish home port with 380 crew, medical staff and service personnel on board. Capt David Eagles said 80 of those were from 820 Naval Air Squadron at Culdrose, which is also sending three Royal Navy Merlin helicopters.

The vessel will not be used to treat Ebola-infected patients, but mainly to transport supplies and to ferry personnel.