Lewis King (centre) works in private security in the Indian Ocean
By Mark Kielesz-Levine
A former Royal Marine who protects ships from pirates in the Indian Ocean has spoken about how he was asked to keep a look out for debris from missing plane MH370.
Lewis King, 28, from Wortley works as an armed guard for Regal Maritime Solutions, a private security firm which uses ex military personnel to defend cargo from pirates.
Mr King was notified of the chance that there could potentially be some wreckage from the missing Malaysian Airlines plane and earlier this month, along with other boats in the area, was asked to report anything relevant to the authorities.
He said: “The security team and ship’s watchmen maintained a vigilant lookout for any sign of the plane however we saw nothing that could be linked to the aircraft.”
Mr King was a Royal Marine for eight years, serving two tours in Afghanistan and dealing with incidents including the death of a fellow marine killed by friendly fire from an American jet.
He left the forces in 2010 when he decided he wanted to do something different with his life and became a personal trainer before venturing into the world of armed security.
The security team thwarts an attack by pirates
He added: “For me the eight year point was stay or go time, before you get too old to leave or re-train. I made the right decision to leave. I didn’t want to stay and be one of the miserable guys who stay just because. No one wants to be that. It brings morale down for everyone else.”
Now Mr King works in some of the world’s most dangerous waters in anti-piracy security. He feels the money and the success of the level of security he and others provide, makes it worth any potential risk.
He said: “When private security first kicked off I know at least the UK Government were worried that fishermen would be getting killed by accident by cowboys with guns but there has been nothing like that and it has worked out better than expected.”
Lewis King is always armed on the boats and ready to defend the ship if necessary.
WATCH: Ex Royal Marine Lewis King talks about how civilian crew feel about working in dangerous waters under his protection.