DefenceSynergia
Primary Casualty Receiving Ship The Demise of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus
DefenceSynergia (DS) are aware that the ship RFA ARGUS, has been declared unseaworthy and withdrawn from Naval Service. She is one of a kind.
RFA Argus was formerly a container ship named the MV Contender Bezant, requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War and purchased outright in 1984 for a four-year conversion to an Aviation Training ship. Argus was originally due to remain in service beyond 2030. In July 2022 it was reported that the future ‘Littoral Strike Role’ would be assumed by Argus after a refit to convert her for the role.
This multi-use vessel includes a 100 bedded hospital facility for its operational role as a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship (PCRS). However, she remains dormant and unmanned when not operational although a full medical team can be put on board at 48 hours notice if the ship becomes operational.
Whilst a major sea battle can currently be considered unlikely, RFA Argus was deployed during both Gulf Wars. Furthermore, she can provide medical support for any casualties received in action within helicopter flying distance of the shore. She has been used in disaster relief and evacuation roles a role enhanced by not being a warship and subject to diplomatic clearances.
The United Kingdom is committed to providing an equivalent medical service as the NHS, whenever military personnel are put at risk.
Indeed, DS believes that service personnel should NOT be put at risk if such a facility is NOT provided.
Therefore, A similar provision could be made based upon another merchant ship, but this would take time. DS is unaware of any plans to implement such a transfer of the PCRS nor the other roles undertaken by RFA ARGUS.
