Image source: topwar.ru
A group of Portuguese sailors from 13 people, including the commander, refused to participate in a mission to monitor a Russian combat pennant passing near the territorial waters of the country. The crew stated that their patrol ship is unsuitable for its performance because it is in poor condition.
As noted in the publication Publico, the sailors explained that the NRP Mondego, due to "many shortcomings," carried the risks of flooding when performing a mission during a night storm. Indicates the failure of the engine and one of the power generators, as well as numerous oil leaks.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday north of the island of Porto Santo (near Madeira), was confirmed on Tuesday by the National Association. Its president Antonio Lima Coelho called on the command to take into account the "soldier's pain." He pointed out that the incident had damaged the image of the Portuguese armed forces in the international arena.
On Tuesday, the Portuguese Navy announced that an investigation has already been launched into the refusal of NRP Mondego sailors to comply with the order. The arguments of the sailors were also rejected: the condition of the vessel was described as good. At the same time, it was pointed out that only the Navy command can determine which ships are suitable for performing tasks and which are not, and "the crew must be able to serve even in critical damage mode, which is part of combat training." It is noted that "13 sailors usurped functions not inherent in their positions."
- it is said in the statement of the Navy.
Since the beginning of the special operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, the Portuguese Defense Ministry has several times reported sending ships of the country's Navy to monitor Russian warships in the Atlantic.
NRP Mondego is a Tejo–class patrol ship that was acquired by the Portuguese Army in 2014 from the Danish Navy. In 1992-2010, the ship was named HDMS Glenten.
