A Royal Navy operation in one of the most remote corners of the globe has demonstrated the United Kingdom’s enduring commitment to its Overseas Territories, as sailors and divers successfully removed a significant threat to both people and the environment on the Pitcairn Islands.
During a recent visit by HMS Tamar, a specialist team of Royal Navy divers safely detonated more than 3½ tonnes of historic explosives, ensuring the continued safety of the tiny island community and its pristine surroundings.
Pitcairn Islands, home to just 38 residents, is one of the most isolated inhabited places in the world. The vast majority of islanders live in the east of Pitcairn by Bounty Bay, named after the famous ship whose mutineers settled the island and whose descendants make up most of the current population.
The explosives, identified during HMS Tamar’s previous visit in 2024, consisted of 3.5 tonnes of high explosive ammonium nitrate left behind from harbour construction works half a century ago. Recognising the risk, the Royal Navy deployed an expert team from the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group to carry out a complex disposal operation.
An eight strong unit from Bravo Diving Unit II conducted a series of controlled detonations, eliminating the hazard with precision and professionalism.
Lieutenant Commander Jim Langley, Executive Officer of HMS Tamar, in temporary command of the ship and in overall command of the operation, said: “Tamar’s time in Pitcairn has been rewarding and hugely productive.
“Our primary task – for a team of Royal Navy divers to safely dispose of historic explosive ammonium nitrate – was a resounding success. Alongside this, the ship’s company threw themselves into supporting the local community as well as experiencing the island and its unique character.
“We enjoyed a very warm welcome and kind hospitality throughout and it was great to see sailors and islanders working side by side. Pitcairn is a beautiful and unique destination, so it is a privilege to be able to bring the ship to its remote shores and patrol the UK’s most distant Exclusive Economic Zone.”
Lieutenant Commander Callum Clarke, Officer in Charge of Bravo Diving Unit II, said: “This operation will be a career highlight for me and all the members of my team. We are normally held at immediate notice for bomb disposal duties across the South of the UK, so travelling to such a remote and beautiful Pacific island has been a real privilege and adventure.
“Other than a short thunderstorm the conditions throughout were perfect and the operation went very smoothly. We had incredible support from HMS Tamar’s ship’s company and the Pitcairn residents who even hosted us for dinner one evening.”
Alongside the divers’ mission, the explosives having been left behind from the construction of Pitcairn’s tiny harbour half a century ago, the ship’s company went ashore to help the community.
Sailors assisted in building work at the community centre, cleared local infrastructure, and the ship’s engineers provided their expertise to support repairs to the island’s solar panels.
Islanders hosted the ship’s company at a banquet in Adamstown Square on the first night. They also gave the sailors tours of the island and opened their stalls to sell their world famous honey.
Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas, Governor of the Pitcairn Islands, said: “The successful disposal of these explosives highlights the critical role the Royal Navy plays in supporting the UK’s Overseas Territories, no matter how remote.
“This operation has removed a potential environmental and safety hazard, while reinforcing the UK’s commitment to protecting Pitcairn’s unique marine and natural environment. I thank HMS Tamar and the diving team for their exceptional work and continued support.”
Rachael Midlen, the island’s Administrator, said: “It’s been great to welcome the Royal Navy back to Pitcairn for the third time in four years. The Island shares a deep bond with the Navy that comes not only from the history of HMS Bounty but from the maritime security operations supporting our important Marine Protected Area.”
Torika Christian, a young resident and family member, by marriage, of the descendants of lead mutineer Fletcher Christian, added: “It was wonderful to have the Royal Navy here in Pitcairn. It means so much to us to have this support for the Island, particularly in destroying the historic explosives, which were a threat to our island’s pristine environment. We’ve enjoyed having the Royal Navy here, and we can’t wait for them to come back!”
In addition to supporting the community ashore, HMS Tamar was also busy protecting nature’s bounty at sea, patrolling the islands’ 836,108 square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone, one of the largest marine protected areas in the world, where no fishing is allowed.
Working alongside the UK Marine Management Organisation’s Global Marine Team through the Blue Belt Programme, the ship used advanced satellite based radar to monitor and deter illegal activity, helping to safeguard one of the world’s most unique marine environments.
Source: Royal Navy
Main Image: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
