Royal Navy fishery protection vessel HMS Mersey took centre stage at the Jersey Boat Show over the bank holiday weekend, helping to attract hundreds of visitors to the annual event.
For the second year running the Portsmouth-based ship, which is one of three patrol vessels in the Fishery Protection Squadron, took time out from enforcing internationally-agreed fishing quotas around UK waters to attend the three day event.
They arrived at the show along with University Royal Naval Units HMS Blazer and HMS Smiter, two Royal Marine Offshore Raiding Craft from 539 Assault Squadron, a Lynx helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, the Royal Naval Physical Training Team, representatives of affiliated warship HMS Iron Duke and the Royal Marines Band Collingwood – ensuring a strong Naval presence at the show.
The three ships and ORCs escorted a charity ship called Wet Wheels into St Helier Harbour – which is a charity that takes disabled people to sea in a specially adapted power vessel.
As well as visitors being able to experience Navy life by going on board HMS Mersey and meeting the ships company, they were also treated to a musical extravaganza from the Royal Marines Band who performed three concerts over the weekend.
[mappress] Press Release, May 8, 2013; Image: Royal Navy