That is the moment a Royal Navy sniper takes out the engine of a drug-dealing speedboat crashing through waves at nearly 50mph – as his helicopter flies backwards.
Because the sun rose over the Gulf of Oman, the Royal Marines were secretly tracking the skiff carrying £35m of crystal meth, heroin and hashish used to fund terror attacks within the region.
The drug boat’s crew tried offloading crates to get away from the Wildcat helicopter but were left stranded by the ‘remarkable shot’ – their operation smashed.
The commando sniper’s shot brought an end to ‘some of the dramatic counter-drugs intercepts the Royal Navy has been involved with within the Middle East’, in accordance with the force.
After the targets were identified, the HMS Lancaster launched a Peregrine mini-helicopter drone to offer a live video feed to the ship’s operations room.
After refuelling, the Wildcat helicopter gave chase.
Two of the drug boats quickly gave up escaping and abandoned ship upon seeing the Wildcat helicopter.
But a 3rd carried on fleeing.
With the helicopter pilot flying backwards to offer the marine sniper a gradual shot on the outboard engine, they fired, taking it out with a single round, dramatically ending the escape.
The crew of the warship’s sea boat recovered the discarded packages and located the sinking skiff.
Greater than 1½ tonnes of heroin, crystal methamphetamine and hashish with an estimated UK street value in excess of £35M were recovered.
‘I’m hugely pleased with the team’s professionalism, patience, and skill throughout what was a protracted chase,’ said HMS Lancaster commander Sam Stephens.
‘This operation saw Lancaster’s crewed and uncrewed aircraft working hand-in-glove under the direction of the ship’s operations room. The consequence was a highly-successful bust, removing large quantities of narcotics from the streets and stopping their profits from fuelling extremism.’
Wildcat pilot Lieutenant Guy Warry added: ‘Non-lethal disabling fire has not been seen within the region and was essential in stopping the drug runners from moving their product.
‘Being the Wildcat pilot carrying out a live weapons firing on drug-running skiffs whilst flying backwards to offer a stable platform for the snipers was definitely a profession highlight.’
The ship’s success was also praised by Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns.
‘Halting a ship travelling at 40 knots with a single non-lethal shot from a Royal Marines sniper is remarkable, and an actual testament to the skill and training of our personnel,’ he said.
‘This operation highlights the unique role our Royal Navy contributes, working to disrupt criminal operations around the globe, keeping us secure at home and powerful abroad.’
MORE: Navy’s ship-busting Sea Venom missiles able to be fitted on helicopters
MORE: I run Palestine’s first brewery within the West Bank – that is what it’s like
MORE: Royal Navy warship and helicopter tracks Russian vessels in UK waters