HMS Duncan sets off after technical glitch

HMS Duncan has sailed for NATO duties after a technical snag was fixed.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Nov 2016, 09:57 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 17:43 BST
HMS Duncan leaves Plymouth. Picture L(Phot) Ken GauntHMS Duncan leaves Plymouth. Picture L(Phot) Ken Gaunt
HMS Duncan leaves Plymouth. Picture L(Phot) Ken Gaunt

The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer sailed from Devonport yesterday to re-join the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 on duty in northern Europe.

She had arrived in Plymouth a week ago with the group of Spanish and Portuguese warships and a German support tanker on a routine visit.

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But after the ships sailed, Duncan was forced to return to port because of a water coupling problem.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: ‘After the successful visit, the ships sailed earlier this week to support the Flag Officer Sea Training organisation off the SW coast before resuming NATO duties. But HMS Duncan returned to Devonport as a precautionary measure after splitting a water coupling. This has been quickly resolved.’

Commanding officer Commander Charlie Guy said: ‘I am delighted that my highly trained and capable crew have returned HMS Duncan to NATO operations in short order.’

Duncan and her sister ships have endured problems since entering the fleet, including the discovery that warm waters caused engine difficulties.

Related topics:NATOPortsmouthEuropePlymouth