A CREW from HMS St Albans were involved in a dramatic rescue in the Arabian Sea, saving the lives of 13 sailors stranded on a striken vessel.

The Royal Navy aviators were faced with rescuing the sailors from the Portsmouth frigate – which was being battered by storms off the coast of Oman.

Everyone aboard the vessel were winched off by the 829 Naval Air Squadron Merlin from HMS St Albans, with the ship's medical officer on board to offer assistance.

St Albans' commanding officer commander Tom Sharpe said: “As fellow mariners, if we are in a position to render assistance to a striken vessel requesting our help, then we will do.

“The monsoon-induced sea state had not been kind to the MV Pavit and with no power and taking on water, her master and the crew were grateful for our quick response and assistance.”

He added: “St Albans is out here as a presence to deter acts of smuggling or piracy but this tasking is just as important and can occur at any time.”