MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
HMS Endurance will return to Falkland Islands
HMS <i>Endurance</i> FALKLAND Islanders are relieved to hear that the Royal Navy's ice patrol ship in the Falklands will not be decommissioned following her return to the United Kingdom after a flooding incident in her engine room in December.
Councillor Mike Summers said he was, "Absolutely delighted," to be able to report that a firm decision has been made that Endurancewill be repaired and will return to active duty in the South Atlantic. He said an official announcement had not been made but the news had been confirmed to the Falkland Islands Government. Endurancewas in fact due for a refit and this will be undertaken meaning she is unlikely to sail south in time for the next season; it may be that another vessel will take her place in the interim period. The flooding incident occurred on December 16 in the Straits of Magellan and resulted in complete loss of propulsion. The ship was initially towed to Punta Arenas in Chile, and then later to the Falklands for further assessment of the damage. After Enduranceleft Falkland waters Islanders expressed concern following news reports that the ship would be scrapped as part of Ministry of Defence budget cuts. Councillor Summers commented at the time. "…from our prospective that would be a very bad move indeed. We all know – the historians all know – the Foreign Office knows – the Navy knows what happened in 1982 when the wrong signals were sent to the Argentines about the withdrawal of the Endurance. And, we certainly would not want that sort of thing to happen again." Endurance'smission is 'To patrol and survey the Antarctic and South Atlantic, maintaining Sovereign Presence with Defence Diplomacy and supporting the global community of Antarctica.' By Lisa Johnson – SeAledPR - Stanley
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesCommenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!