It’s been some time since my last update to you all, and a lot has happened during that time. Following our visit to the Falkland Islands, we set sail for South Africa where we are now conducting our Supported Maintenance Period until August this year. The aim of our visit is to conduct essential maintenance on the ship as well as developing a good relationship with foreign Navies. Many of my Ship’s company are enjoying leave in South Africa and have flown out friends and family to join them in what is a wonderful country. The Ship has organised many activities such as Safaris, rock climbing, parachute jumps and diving with sharks. The Ship’s company can all take part if they wish although I don’t think I will be diving with the sharks during this visit!
HMS ENDURANCE alongside in the Historic Simons Town Dockyard
South Africa is the southernmost country of continental Africa. It has an area of 1,219,090 square kilometres, 5 times larger than the United Kingdom (UK), and a population of 42½ million, three quarters of that of the UK. Simon’s Town where the ship is currently berthed is a short drive from Cape Town. It lies on the eastern side of the peninsula and provides a safe natural harbour to the South African Navy. The port was used by the Royal Navy back in WWII as a place to keep our ships. This will be the first time that ENDURANCE has had a maintenance period outside the UK and we are delighted to be in this unique country working so closely with our friends in the South African Navy
Table Mountain Cape Town South Africa
Further up the coast is Cape Town, which was established in 1652 and is South Africa's oldest and most famous city. It is overlooked and dominated by Table Mountain, which you can see in the photograph and is recognised as one of the most spectacular cities of the world. Many of the Ship’s company will be heading to Cape Town over the next few months to enjoy the shopping and nightlife that the city has to offer.
View of the White Ensign flying with Cape Town in the background
During the crossing, the ship was able to conduct some essential fire fighting training when we practiced our Engine Room catching fire. The alarm bell sounded and the loud shout of FIRE FIRE FIRE was heard. Everyone then sprang into action to ensure we rehearsed our standard procedure and were able to get the fire put out quickly and safely. An Engine Room fire is one of the worst things we could have onboard so it is important that my people are highly trained; that is why we carry out exercises like this. It’s an exhilarating experience and is very demanding but proved to be of great benefit to the Ship who now know how to react if it ever happened for real.
Ship’s Fire-Fighting team attacking the fire in the Engine Room
CPO Harris assists in the Dressing of the Fire Fighters
The Ship along with Anchor Bear celebrated World Environment Day in 5 Jun. We made our contribution to the event by staying in the Southern Hemisphere this year instead of returning to our home in the UK. This saved a lot of fuel and in turn reduced our Carbon Footprint. We also made our contribution by asking you all to follow the adventures of Anchor Bear, our mascot and agree to carry out green promises. The day was a huge success and between us we all did our bit to help the planet.
Anchor Bear on HMS ENDURANCE
It was a very bumpy crossing over the South Atlantic Ocean; however, we were lucky enough to have a few days of good weather and found time to have a BBQ. The Chefs got all the food ready, the music was set up and the BBQ lit; we were ready to go. All we needed was the Ship’s Company. The night was really good fun and gave my people a chance to relax and take a step back from their working day.
Well following our busy time away, I must return back to the UK now to see my family and catch up on some important work. I will write again at the end of July to let you know how our maintenance is going and give you an update on what we will be up to over the next few months.
Tight Lines,
Capt Bob