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Ark sets sail to skirl of pipesThu, January 16, 2003Source: Ananova NewsBritain's most powerful warship has set sail from Scotland bound for the Mediterranean and a potential war in the GulfBritain's most powerful warship has set sail from Scotland bound for the Mediterranean and a potential war in the Gulf. Dozens of well-wishers gathered on the banks of Loch Long in Argyll to bid farewell to HMS Ark Royal. The ship had been anchored at the Glen Douglas armaments base since Monday where it underwent its final preparations and took on board supplies for its tour of duty. Three pipers played as the aircraft carrier was slowly guided away from the jetty by a tug. Tight security was in place with a heavy police presence around the base and a helicopter hovered in the grey skies above. A small group of anti-war activists turned out to voice their concerns. Two protesters held a large white banner which, in bold red writing read: "Don't attack Iraq". Meanwhile families and friends waved off the warship HMS Ocean as it set sail for training exercises. The helicopter carrier left Plymouth's Devonport Naval Base with 1,050 men and women on board. HMS Ocean is bound for the eastern Mediterranean, where it will join HMS Ark Royal, 13 other vessels and a submarine to form the Naval Task Group 03. |
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