HMS Mersey sails in to support Clipper Festival

The ship will berth alongside Fort George at around 10am for the start of a busy five-day programme of events, which include ship’s company attending a Lord Mayor’s Reception, the Peace Square Concert (both on Friday night) and the Farewell and Parade of Sail for the Clippers on Saturday.

HMS Mersey is sharing the billing with Irish naval vessel, LE Orla, which is also taking part in the Parade of Sail. On Saturday night, a reception on board Mersey – which is being attended by Northern Ireland’s senior naval officer, Rear Admiral Chris Hockley – will be rounded off in style with a stirring Ceremonial Sunset.

On Sunday (July 8) members of the public will be able to get a taste of life on the high seas when HMS Mersey opens her gangway to visitors from 11am-6pm. This is a unique opportunity for members of the public to tour the ship and to learn more about the career opportunities available in the Royal Navy.

Further crew activities – including a football match against a team from the Orla plus a walking tour of historic Derry – will take place until the ship slips her berth on Tuesday morning.

HMS Mersey’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Oakley, said: ”Having recently taken command of the ship, I am delighted to be able to visit Londonderry to support the Clipper Festival and to assist Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Admiral Chris Hockley, with his regional engagements. This will be an excellent opportunity to build stronger relations with our fellow mariners in Ireland.

“I have no doubt there will be a superb festival atmosphere throughout the visit and we are really delighted to be able to open the ship to visitors on Sunday.”

One of three River Class offshore patrol vessels, HMS Mersey, on behalf of the Royal Navy’s Fishery Protection Squadron, co-operates with other government agencies enforcing legislation designed to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks for future generations.

HMS Mersey can spend in excess of 300 days at sea each year, whatever the weather, patrolling British fishery limits liaising with the Marine Management Organisation.

She is 79m long, with a breadth of 13m and a displacement of 1,677 tonnes. Her twin diesel engines can propel her to a top speed of 20 knots, giving Mersey a range of 7,800 nautical miles.

The working deck of the vessel is large enough to transport smaller craft such as oil spill recovery tractors and small landing craft, meaning she can also be used for disaster relief, anti-pollution and rescue work. She has a crew of 30 sailors and also has accommodation for a Royal Marine boarding party.