Sorbet Royal 2005 Submarine Rescue Exercise

During day 4 of Sorbet Royal 2005, 7 serials were conducted off the South coast of Italy. The weather conditions were once again excellent with warm weather, flat seas and a 0.5 Knot Southerly current.

The following types of serial were performed,

SURVEYEX - The approach and survey of a distressed submarine by divers.

MATEX - The mating and de-mating of a submarine rescue chamber with a distressed submarine.

RESCUEX - The rescue of personnel from a distressed submarine.

PODEX - The posting of a POD to resupply essential life support stores, by passing the POD through either an escape trunk or torpedo tube.

VENTEX - This is where the distressed submarine is ventilated from the surface through a salvage air system.

SPAGEX - The Submarine Parachute Assistance Group exercise.

The USS GRASP performed a RESCUEX on the Italian submarine LONGOBARDO bottomed in 40m of water for 12 hours. 2 ADS dives were conducted for almost 9 hours in water to 40m, 2 SRC dives were also completed with a proper seal made on both dives. 2 mixed gas and 2 surface supplied air dives were also carried out to a water depth of 40m. The US combat camera team made extensive underwater and surface video and photograph material.

The NEPTUNO performed a SURVEYEX and PODEX with the Turkish PREVEZE. PREVEZE was bottomed for 9 hours and received a pod successfully in 29m of water. An ROV conducted a SURVEYEX of the distressed submarine.

The MERCUUR and ANTEO carried out a RESCUEX with the DOLFIJN in 42m of water for a total of 10 hours. Canadian, Dutch and Italian divers conducted a detailed SURVEYEX on the stricken submarine as well as a number of other complex diving operations.

The FENNICA completed a RESCUEX in 86m of water for a total of 12 hours with the distressed submarine being the Spanish SIROCO. 2 LR5 dives were achieved with a total of 4 matings to transfer 24 people including the Commander In Chief Ukraine Navy.

Despite low visibility a large amount of photographs and film were taken of the AILETTE, PLUTON, SHAKTYOR as well as French and Russian divers conducting a VENTEX.

The KREMENETS, SLAVUTYCH, SALMOOR, UK and Ukraine SPAG teams performed a SPAGEX with a 14 member SPAG team being dropped by parachute from a C130. They carried with them 2 MIBs and a bundle of 2 Liferafts and Oxygen. Once the team were in the water the boats were rigged and all parachutists recovered. The life rafts were inflated and then secured together to house the 18 survivors who entered the water in MK10 submarine escape immersion equipment.

UK SPAG Team Situation Report

In again near perfect conditions, UK SPAG completed the SPAGEX and ESCAPEX with no problems.

14 members of SPAG were dropped by parachute from a C130 Hercules aircraft, together with 2 MIBs and a bundle of 2 liferafts and Oxygen cylinders. Once on the water, with boats rigged and all parachutists recovered, the liferafts were inflated and secured together to become the central control area. Subsequently, 18 survivors were presented on the surface, dressed in Mark 10 Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment and were collected by SPAG boats to be delivered to the liferafts. Each casualty in turn was triaged by the SPAG doctor and any treatment, including oxygen was administered.

By this time, the PSUEDO Escape Gear Ship, together with SMERAT and a substantial medical contingent arrived on site and the transfer of patients from liferaft to EGS was conducted in priority order.

Once onboard the EGS, further triaging was conducted and all patients were treated in one of 3 treatment areas, according to their needs.

Much experience was gained in all aspects of the scenario. Since there was a deliberately less urgent progression of events, to allow for all involved to witness the unfolding of events, the actions were carried out with more benefit to all observers. Both Italian and Ukrainian SPAG teams were taken by boat to be on hand for all stages of the casualty recovery. Medical staff were also hosted onboard the liferafts to watch the SPAG team follow their standard procedures. Once back on the EGS, demonstrations were conducted to all medical personnel, including removal of escape suits and discussion on other practices and routines.

Overall, the exercise was a resounding success, involving the coordinated response of several units and the insertion and recovery of a parachute rescue team to a friendly support vessel. No major obstacles were encountered and it is expected that working relationships have been established which will be most productive.

The UK SPAG would like to extend their sincere appreciation to many units that have supported them, particularly RMAS SALMOOR, the RAF Hercules flight, 47 Air Despatch unit, the Ukrainian vessel SLAVUTYCH and, of course, the coordinating management authorities of Sorbet Royal 05. Several more members of SPAG are now fully qualified, having completed final requirements and the team has undoubtedly moved on in its capability and experience; indeed, working with other nationalities and practicing all aspects of SPAG activity has proven to be invaluable.