Sep 30 – HMS Echo Arrives Tomorrow
The Hydrographic Survey Vessel HMS Echo arrives in the vicinity of Gibraltar tomorrow where she will launch her Survey Motor Boat (SMB) Sapphire to conduct routine survey work in and around the harbour.
The survey work is conducted periodically to ensure waters are deep enough to accommodate different types of vessels which visit Gibraltar.
In June, HMS Echo used her state-of-the-art sonar suite to produce three-dimensional scans of ships destroyed 99 years ago in the Battle of Jutland. During the week-long analysis of the sea-bed off the coast of Denmark, she deployed a tidal gauge to gather valuable data on tidal ranges in the area.
The recovery of the tidal gauge in August gave the ship’s company one more opportunity to search for the elusive German Flagship, SMS Lutzow. Her efforts were rewarded with the discovery of the Derfflinger Class Battlecruiser some eight miles from her last known location (see pic below).
HMS Echo’s Commanding Officer, Commander Phillip Newell, said:
“These images from Lutzow will ensure the ship’s final resting place is properly recognised as a war grave. They act as poignant remainder of the sacrifices made on both sides during the Great War.”
The data gathered will add to a wealth of maritime data gathered by the Royal Navy and provided to the UK Hydrographic Office to update maritime charts. The charts are widely used by most of the world’s seafarers and ensure safe navigation of the seas.
Whilst in Gibraltar HMS Echo will utilise Gibraltar’s Forward Mounting Base capability to carry out routine maintenance and resupply.
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