Royal Navy Ship Spotted off Brighton Coast

Ship spotted near West Pier

A Royal Navy patrol ship has been pictured off the coast of Brighton near the West Pier. HMS Tyne, a River-class offshore patrol vessel, was observed in the English Channel just off the seafront.

Recent operations in the Channel

The Royal Navy announced that HMS Tyne had recently been involved in operations tracking Russian military vessels through the English Channel. The ship, working alongside the destroyer HMS Dauntless, monitored the Russian frigate Neustrashimy between 1 and 14 October as it escorted sanctioned cargo ships through the Channel.

HMS Tyne was subsequently tasked with intercepting another Russian warship, the landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin, between 11 and 14 October. This vessel was escorting the cargo ship MV Energy-2 and tugboat Proton towards the Baltic Sea. A Wildcat helicopter from the Royal Navy's 815 Naval Air Squadron also took part in the operation.

Commander's statement

Lieutenant Commander Sam Fields, HMS Tyne's commanding officer, said: "Operating from the North East to the English Channel in quick succession, HMS Tyne's recent activations demonstrate the flexibility and enduring utility of our patrol ships. Maintaining a persistent presence around the UK and beyond, we stand ready to respond at a moment's notice to protect our nation's interests. I am proud of my ship's company for their unwavering professionalism and adaptability."

About the vessel

HMS Tyne has been in service since 2003 and regularly operates around British waters. The River-class offline patrol ship carries out maritime security, surveillance and fishery protection duties. These vessels are designed to spend extended periods at sea monitoring activity around the UK's coastline.

The Royal Navy has not indicated whether the vessel's appearance off Brighton was connected to its earlier operations involving Russian ships.

Source: read the full story