After the Argentine surrender on the Falkland Islands on 14 June 1982, a task force composed of frigate HMS Yarmouth, patrol ship HMS Endurance, tanker RFA Olmeda and tug Salvageman sailed to the South Sandwich Islands with instructions to end the Argentine presence there.

[1] Reconnaissance parties from Endurance and 42 Commando Royal Marines were landed on Thule Island covertly to observe Argentine activities.

Under the threat of the Royal Marines party and the ships cruising in front of the base, the Argentinians raised a white flag.

[3] Ten prisoners (one civilian and nine military personnel) were evacuated to the tanker Olmeda, accompanied by Yarmouth and they departed for South Georgia.

To prevent any attempt by Argentina to return to Thule Island, the base was later demolished, in February 1983, by crew from HMS Ariadne and the supply ship RFA Tidespring.