Departure times have been confirmed for the final journey of Falklands War destroyer HMS Bristol from Portsmouth naval base, with the Type 82 warship scheduled to leave today morning bound for Turkish scrapyards, as veterans plan to gather.
The unique destroyer, which served a crucial role during the 1982 Argentine conflict, will depart from the naval facility to be dismantled. Mike Tuttiett, a former Royal Navy Petty Officer who served during the war and on the vessel, confirmed that veterans will gather at The Round Tower today morning (June 11) to witness the ship’s departure.
According to Portsmouth King’s Harbour Master shipping movements, HMS Bristol is scheduled to sail from Fountain Lake Jetty, passing The Round Tower at 6.30am. The vessel will receive pilot and tug assistance from SD Bountiful and Indulgent. The 155-metre warship will then proceed to the NAB tower before being transported to Turkey for recycling.
HMS Bristol was decommissioned in Portsmouth on 28 October 2020. News emerged in November last year that the former Harbour Training Ship would be recycled. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) included the destroyer amongst several vessels listed for tender.
Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S) officials sought to sell ageing assets to generate revenue. The Falklands destroyer attracted two bids from Turkish companies Leyal Gemi Sokum Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd Sti and Sok Denizcilik Ve Tic. Ltd. Sti, both specialising in dismantling military and civilian vessels.
These firms had previously purchased Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships RFA Gold River and RFA Black River for dismantling. Several other Royal Navy vessels have departed Portsmouth this year destined for Turkish scrapyards. HMS Monmouth made her final departure from the city on 3 April.
Richard Whalley, who served as Lieutenant on the Type 23 frigate, previously commented: “It is always a sad day when you see a ship that was a significant part of your life heading for disposal but I am happy at least that the sale of HMS Monmouth for recycling in Turkey will provide an ethical and responsible method of recovering metals and other valuable assets which provides a financial return for the Royal Navy. A fitting end for a ship that has served the nation well.”
