MoD Information

HMS Nottingham lifted onto Barge

Tue, October 22, 2002

Source: Ananova

HMS Nottingham will now be brought back to the UK to undergo repairs. The ship nearly sank in July when it smashed into a well-charted outcrop during manoeuvres 200 miles east of Sydney.

Battered British warship lifted on to transport ship

The ship was towed in August to Newcastle, about 90 miles north of Sydney, for repairs and to have its ammunition removed.

The ship arrived in Sydney last Tuesday, and has been waiting at dock for the Dutch heavy lift ship, the Swan, to arrive so it can be carried home. The British Navy has not yet said whether its ship will be repaired or scrapped.

Water poured from the 165-foot gash along the Nottingham's starboard bow as the ship was hoisted onto the Swan in Sydney Harbour.

The Swan was partially submerged to allow the warship to float on top before water ballast was pumped from the Swan and the Nottingham slowly lifted out of the water.

Lt Craig Wharrie, deputy marine engineer for HMS Nottingham, said he was surprised how bad the damage was: "I had seen the damage on video (taken by divers) but it obviously a little more scary looking at it now."

The Swan is expected to leave Sydney by Sunday and arrive in Britain before Christmas.