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Endurance fears worry Islanders
Falkland Islands residents have spoken of their concern after revelations that Portsmouth-based HMS Endurance could be scrapped.
For years the ice patrol vessel has been a reassuring naval presence in the South Atlantic.
But as revealed in The News yesterday, the ship could be axed after suffering severe flood damage in the Antarctic last month.
The last time it was due to be pulled out of the region in 1982, the Argentinians invaded the Falklands, which once again concerns islanders.
Colin Wright, a regular visitor to the islands and secretary of the Falkland Islands Association, said: 'People on the islands are worried because Endurance plays a big psychological role.
'Always on people's minds is what happened when the last HMS Endurance was going to be taken out of service – shortly after that Argentina invaded.'
Chris Patrick, who is moving back to the UK after living in East Falkland for 10 years, added: 'Having HMS Endurance in the region sends a message that the UK is committed to us, even if it spends a lot of its time down in Antarctica.
'The name Endurance is strongly associated with this part of the world and we hope she will be back soon.'
Defence sources say it could be too costly to repair the vessel. And the navy admitted it is considering scrapping the ship as one of a range of options.
Meanwhile, the flood has forced a goodwill visit this month for several weeks from Portsmouth City Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson to be put on hold.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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