The beauty and ruggedness of the world’s most remote inhabited island has been captured in a series of photos during a recent visit from a Royal Navy warship. Portsmouth based frigate, HMS Richmond, has just paid a visit to the tiny island of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic as part of her tasking in the region.
The Company of the Type 23 frigate received a warm welcome when they anchored off the capital, and island’s only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.
The island – situated more than 1,500 miles from the nearest landmass – only has a population of 275 and with the arrival of Richmond that number nearly doubled when the men and women went ashore to provide reassurance in this remote part of the world.
On the first day of a two day visit, the Commanding Officer, Commander Robert Pedre welcomed on board the island’s Administrator and Magistrate, Alex Mitham and the island’s Police Officer, Inspector Conrad Glass MBE, for lunch and a tour of the ship, highlighting some of the important roles that the Royal Navy undertakes in the South Atlantic ocean.
On the second day the islanders hosted a reception at the Administrator’s Residence for a number of the Ship’s Company.
Cdr Pedre said of the visit:
“It has been a great privilege taking HMS Richmond to the most remote British Overseas Territory in the world.
“We have reassured the local British citizens that live in Tristan da Cunha and my Ship’s Company have enjoyed witnessing an island that few people ever get to see.”
The South Atlantic Patrol see the Type 23 frigate undertake maritime security operations, including counter narcotics and anti piracy patrols, providing opportunities to work with a number of other navies to further strengthen ties and demonstrate the Royal Navy’s commitment to the region.
[mappress] Press Release, November 07, 2013; Image: Navy