HMS Scimitar (P284) explained

HMS Scimitar was a fast patrol boat of the British Royal Navy. She is a Lifespan Patrol Vessel type boat and formerly served in inland waterway duties in Northern Ireland as MV Grey Fox. She was acquired to serve with the Gibraltar Squadron, tasked with policing, customs and search and rescue duties. This released an patrol vessel for tasking with the Cyprus Squadron.

Operational history

Scimitar was involved in a diplomatic incident between the United Kingdom and Spain in November 2009 after being alleged by the Spanish to have been using the Spanish flag as a target during gunnery practice. The Ministry of Defence stated that the ship had actually been shooting at a NATO maritime signal flag, which is similar in appearance.[1]

On 3 May 2011 Scimitar was dispatched to intercept the Spanish patrol boat when she entered British waters around Gibraltar and ordered the Spanish ship to leave the area.[2] Scimitar took part in another encounter with a Spanish naval vessel on 4 April 2017. It challenged Infanta Cristina, a that had entered British waters off of Gibraltar. Infanta Cristina left without further incident.[3]

On 8 November 2017, HMS Scimitar intercepted the Spanish corvette Infanta Elena trying to enter British territorial waters off Gibraltar.[4]

Replacement

In July 2017 it was revealed that the Gibraltar Squadron would receive two new warships which will be more "capable", "faster" and have "bigger guns", to replace Sabre and Scimitar "within the next two years".[5]

On 24 July 2020, an announcement was made that the promised two new warships have been ordered from Marine Specialised Technology (MST Ltd) with the first to be delivered in (Q3 2021/22) and the second in (Q1 2022/2023). The contract is expected to cost at least £9.9 million. The patrol vessel replacements are initially going to be armed with X3 General Purpose Machine Guns (1 on the foredeck and 2 on the aft deck) as well as being fitted for but not with a 0.50 cal Heavy Machine Gun. The ships are going to be long, carry 6 crew and 6 passengers and travel at .[6]

In September 2020 Scimitar, along with her sister ship Sabre, returned to Portsmouth aboard having been replaced temporarily by and .[7]

After a period operating in UK waters Scimitar and Sabre were decommissioned in a joint ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base on 30 March 2022.[8]

In 2024 it was reported that the former HMS Scimitar had been converted to medical vessel, MV Lady Jean, and was transported to Tanzania to serve as a medical vessel supporting remote island communities on Lake Victoria.[9]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: UK 'sorry' for shooting at 'Spanish flag' buoy . Steve . Kingstone . 20 November 2009 . . 31 December 2009.
  2. Web site: Gibraltar Slams New 'Incursion' By Spanish Navy . 4 May 2011 . DefenceTalk.com . 10 May 2011.
  3. News: Royal Navy chases Spanish patrol boat out of waters off Gibraltar as Nigel Farage says UK must not be 'bullied' . Ben . Farmer . 4 April 2017 . . 4 April 2017.
  4. Web site: Spanish warship forced away from Gibraltar by patrol boat HMS Scimitar . George . Allison . 8 November 2017 . UK Defence Journal . 8 November 2017.
  5. Web site: Gibraltar Squadron to receive two new warships . 5 July 2017 . . 9 March 2019.
  6. Web site: RN Gibraltar Squadron Being Replaced . Seawaves Magazine . 24 July 2020 . 12 February 2021.
  7. Web site: HMS Sabre and Scimitar depart British Gibraltar Territorial Waters for the final time . Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation . 25 September 2020 . 12 February 2021.
  8. 1509153803534225408. HmsSabre. A bittersweet afternoon as HM Ships Scimitar and Sabre lower the White Ensign for the last time. Team Sabre were p…. 30 March 2022.
  9. @NavyLookout Ex-HMS Scimitar converted to medical vessel, MV Lady Jean, now being transported to Tanzania. She will serve as part of the @vinetrust Jubilee Hope Medical Programme providing services to remote island communities on Lake Victoria. . 1813922802061205587 . NavyLookout . 18 July 2024 . 18 July 2024.