A small group of Royal Marines based on RFA Argus have gone ashore at Lungi Beach close to Sierra Leone’s main airport to carry out survey work. The men from 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines were met by a large crowd of Sierra Leoneans as they stepped ashore.

The Royal Navy said: “All of our commandos have undergone rigorous counter Ebola training and adhered to these measures while ashore.”

On the beach they met with local people who told them more about the surrounding area as well as carrying out an underwater survey in order to confirm beach gradients and their usability by landing craft.

Embarked in Royal Fleet Auxiliary aviation support ship RFA Argus, the Royal Marines are supporting the government of Sierra Leone and the Department for International Development (DfID) in the international battle against the Ebola outbreak in the region.

RFA Argus sailed from Falmouth to the West African country where she has begun playing an important logistical role with three embarked Merlin Mk2 helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron being used to facilitate the movement of British medical teams, stores and aid.