OP POSEIDON

The RCMP Emergency Response Team preparing to board the MV Sun Sea.

On 11 August, 2010, HMCS Winnipeg supported an RCMP-led operation to intercept, board, and escort the MV Sun Sea into Esquimalt Harbour. The MV Sun Sea was transporting Sri Lankan migrants to Canada. After shadowing the vessel for a period of time, the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) disembarked HMCS Winnipeg and boarded the MV Sun Sea. Following the RCMP ERT, HMCS Winnipeg's Naval Boarding Party, augmented with key members of the ship’s company, boarded the MV Sun Sea and the prize crew took control of critical spaces such as the engine room and bridge.

Prior to leaving Esquimalt, HMCS Winnipeg had embarked extra food and medical supplies, as well as additional medical personnel. However, these supplies were not needed as there were no major medical issues and no significant shortages of food or water on board the migrant vessel.  Engineers and hull technicians from HMCS Winnipeg ensured that there were no mechanical issues with the MV Sun Sea. Finally, a preventive medical technician examined the migrants and found no communicable diseases present.

Led by HMCS Winnipeg, after a ten hour transit through the Strait of Juan de Fuca in less than 200 yards visibility, the prize crew safely brought the MV Sun Sea into Esquimalt Harbour on the morning of Friday 13 August, 2010.