HMS Medway Departs after Successfully Exchanging Personnel
Report and photos from Administrator Philip Kendall
At first light in the morning of Sunday 24th May 2026, HMS Medway made her second approach to Tristan. Initially, the conditions looked as tricky as they were the day before, but the Tristan coxswains agreed to give it a go.
HMS Medway's view of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. Photo: Ministry of Defence
With the Medway cruising up and down in front of the harbour they were able to get the civilian medics and one crew member off first and then the military medics and paratroopers boarded the ship.
Administrator Philip Kendall with civilian medic Ross Moy and the departing military medics.
The conditions were very much on the edge with a big swell and strong winds, but the amazing Tristan RIB crews and the Medway’s crew did their best to offload and backload the kit.
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| Above: The departing paratroopers gather with the Medway crew member on the quay. | |
| Below: Paratroopers and their backpacks leaving in the Fisheries RIB. | |
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| The video of the returning Fisheries RIB (right) nicely shows the challenging conditions they had to contend with. | |
In the end it was deemed unsafe to continue, so some of the kit remained on island and will be shipped at a later date.
With everyone safe onshore and onboard, HMS Medway set sail for the Falklands on Sunday afternoon.
Adminstrator Philip Kendall said:
"My admiration for everyone involved in this operation is hard to put into words. From the RAF who flew here two weeks ago, to the Army who jumped from the plane, and the Royal Navy who came to pick them up in challenging conditions. Also the people of the Falklands for assisting us in our time of need. But most of all, the people of Tristan whose bravery today, coupled with the hospitality and friendship offered to all the visitors in the last two weeks, have made me so proud."
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| HMS Medway uniform patch | HMS Medway departing back to the Falkland Islands |
This is a cross-territory effort. Four of the arriving medics are from the United Kingdom, and two from the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands Government had issued a Press Release about their contribution to the operation. Actually, one of the Kelpers is really a Saint - 'Spurs' having moved to the Falklands from St Helena 30 years ago.