The Battlecruiser HMS Príncipe da Beira, Carrier HMS São Tomé, Guided Missile Cruiser HMS Acre, and four São Gabriel-class destroyers depart Colombo, Ceylon headed towards the Maluku Islands. In addition the Prime Minister of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves contacts all members of the international relief coalition currently operating in the vicinity of the island of New Guinea and Australia informing them that all refugees will be accepted in the Maluku Islands if need be. An additional Portugal-class amphibious assault ship, the HMS São Tomé e Príncipe, will follow the group being sent to act as a hospital ship.