Moray military: RAF Lossiemouth Poseidons grounded by Italian volcano
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A pair of Poseideons from RAF Lossiemouth have been grounded by a volcanic eruption in the Mediterranean.
The two maritime patrol aircraft have been deployed to Sicily to participate in NATO exercise Dynamic Manta.
However a 3357 metre volcano on the aptly named nearby island of Vulcano has temporarily interrupted flying activity.
A powerful paroxysm yesterday caused fountains of lava to shoot a mile into the sky.
It also created a column of ash rising more six miles.
An RAF spokesperson said "For the deployed personnel it has created a novel backdrop to their working day."
Vulcano is located about 120 miles from the Italian air force's Sigonella air base on Sicily.
Italian officials have advised most of Vulcano's 950 permanent residents to evacuate due to dangerous levels of carbon dioxide.
The last time its volcano erupted was on March 22, 1890, but the area had seen an increase in activity over the past few months.
In November 150 people were briefly evacuated from the island's harbour area.
In ancient times the Romans believed that Vulcano was the chimney of their fire god Vulcan's workshop.
The Sigonella base where the Poseidons are currently grounded is also about 30 miles from Mount Etna, another active volcano.
