Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Forth dodges icebergs to visit 'stunning' South Georgia
ROYAL Navy patrol ship HMS Forth dodged icebergs to make a rare trip to the ‘Gateway of Antarctica’ for a spot of wildlife photography.
The wildlife paradise of South Georgia is one the UK’s most remote and least populous overseas territories – 850 miles from Portsmouth-based Forth’s normal stomping ground of the Falklands.
The weather in the austral autumn and winter rules out visits by Forth – an even with the advent of spring the passage is hazardous.
Spare sailors were posted as ice lookouts, assisting the regular team on the bridge in keeping an all-round lookout for dangers in icy waters. Several large icebergs, ‘bergy bits’ and ‘growlers’ – smaller chunks of ice just above the waterline – were encountered.
Meanwhile, the crew rehearsed dealing with floods and breakdowns to keep their skills and drills sharp.
Lieutenant Commander Edward Munns, Forth’s skipper, said: ‘A visit to South Georgia is a wonderful opportunity for many of my ship’s company and it has been an honour to command HMS Forth in only her second visit to the archipelago.
‘A tremendous time was had by all and I’m certain everyone onboard will hold memories of this place that they will treasure for years to come.’
Forth is one of five new patrol ships built for the Royal Navy.
For the first time, Forth was able to berth at the newly-completed wharf in the island’s ‘capital’ Grytviken.
Traditionally, visiting Royal Navy warships and cruise ships have anchored in the entrance to the harbour.
The visit gave sailors a rare opportunity to visit South Georgia and to see some of the archipelago’s array of wildlife – including penguins.
Chief Petty Officer Andrew Barsby, the ship’s coxswain, said: ‘South Georgia is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I’ve been privileged to be able to visit one last time before I leave HMS Forth.’
As well as visiting the region, one of the ship’s trainee officers also led a small congregation in a church service in Grytviken’s church, purported to be one of the most southerly in the world.
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