HMS Portland, first Royal Navy visit to Sao Tomé and Príncipe in 29 years

Wednesday, April 9th 2014 - 17:26 UTC

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The vessel hosted a visit from PM Dr. Gabriel Costa and several ministers

HMS Portland on Atlantic patrol, became the first Royal Navy Ship to visit São Tomé and Príncipe in 29 years when she anchored off the islands for a two day visit. The last Royal Navy Ship to visit the former Portuguese colony was the survey vessel HMS Herald in 1985. Prior to that, the last recorded visit of a Royal Naval Warship was in 1889.

The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, are located about 87 miles apart and 150 miles off the northwestern coast of Gabon, Africa.

During the visit, the ship hosted a visit from the Prime Minister of São Tomé, Dr Gabriel Costa and a number of his ministers. The ship also provided training in navigation, mechanical engineering, fire fighting and boarding operations to members of the São Tomé and Príncipe Armed Forces.

The visit of HMS Portland coincided with a Chatham House conference on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The Commanding Officer, Commander Sarah West gave the opening address, whilst several members of the ships company attended the conference.

A large number of personnel enjoyed the opportunity to explore São Tomé, either on foot, cycle or bus. Highlights included a visit to the St Nicoalo Waterfall and the Corallo chocolate factory; one of the Islands major exports is cocoa.

HMS Portland on Atlantic patrol also spends time in the Falklands and South Georgia.

Categories: Politics, International.

Tags: HMS Portland.

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Buzzsaw
Interesting place to visit if you ever get the chance, implanted population that gained independence from Portugal in 1975, thus they exercised their right to self determination as per the UN charter. One of the last places to have 'slaves' (forced paid labour) right upto 1910
Lovely people, friendly and trusting (we were invited to dinner by the bank clerk to meet her family) and great surf too.
Apr 09th, 2014 - 09:20 pm 0
Vestige
Watch out locals.

Dont get Chagos-ed.
Apr 10th, 2014 - 12:17 am 0
ilsen
Thanks for the info Buzzsaw

You give us other posters an insight whilst those old fools like Vestige just troll their usual prejudice.

Thanks Buzzsaw!
Apr 10th, 2014 - 12:56 am 0

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