Cdr Langford said his team fought “challenging conditions” to intercept the semi-submersible, which he added were rarely seen in the Caribbean.
“These operations are a team effort and require involvement from every single member of my crew irrespective of their usual role – they can be extremely proud of what they have achieved,” he added.
High-speed night-time pursuit
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “This eighth drugs bust took place on Aug 26, just 72 hours after Trent’s last successful interdiction in which 462kg of cocaine worth £37 million was seized.
“About 90 nautical miles north of where they stopped the narco-sub, a high-speed night-time pursuit by Trent’s sea boats saw two suspects and 12 bales of drugs seized, ready to be handed over to US authorities.
“Having seized 9,459kg of drugs – worth nearly £750 million – Trent surpasses HMS Argyll as the best hunter of smugglers in the Royal Navy this century, smashing the frigate’s £620 million running total.”
The Navy added that successful interceptions disrupt transnational criminal organisations (TCOs) and underscore its role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law.
“This role is more important than ever with the flow of drugs to Europe and the UK, where an estimated 117 tonnes is consumed per year, growing significantly,” it added.
Disaster relief operations
HMS Trent will now continue patrols in the Caribbean to support British Overseas Territories during hurricane season.
Aboard the ship are about 50 specialists in disaster relief operations, including Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando Royal Engineers.
As well as carrying equipment to make repairs to damaged infrastructure and life-saving medical supplies, the ship has a drone system, called the Puma, which provides vital reconnaissance and surveillance and is operated by 700X Naval Air Squadron.
The ship recently visited the British Virgin Islands, making repairs on Tortola after tropical storm Ernesto had passed through the region.