If you were gazing out across the Firth of Clyde recently, you might have been lucky enough to spot one of the Royal Navy’s busiest ships making its way through the waters. HMS Mersey, a workhorse of the fleet, was seen cruising past Little Cumbrae, as captured in a striking image by Bryan Wark, a member of the Largs and Millport News Camera Club.
As a River-class offshore patrol vessel, HMS Mersey is no stranger to the UK’s coastal waters. Named after the River Mersey, she carries a proud legacy, being the fifth Royal Navy ship to bear the name and the first in 84 years.
Launched in 2003, she is the youngest of the original River-class patrol vessels, yet she has more than earned her place as a key player in the fleet. Under the command of Lieutenant Commander James Mitchell, HMS Mersey spends an impressive 220 days at sea each year, making her one of the most active ships in service.
Her primary mission? Fishery protection. She plays a critical role in safeguarding British waters, ensuring that fishing vessels comply with quotas and regulations. But that’s not all, HMS Mersey is also tasked with keeping an eye on foreign warships as they pass through UK waters, a role that underscores her importance to national security.
With her unwavering presence and relentless pace, HMS Mersey is a testament to the Royal Navy’s commitment to protecting Britain’s interests at sea. So, if you’re ever by the Clyde, keep an eye out, you never know when this formidable patrol vessel might glide past once again.
