Ice scuppers farewell to HMS Guernsey day

DIGNITARIES planning to go to Portsmouth for HMS Guernsey's decommissioning fell victim to the UK's big freeze. Deputy Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland and Bailiff's secretary Tony Richings were among those left stranded at Guernsey Airport yesterday morning when early morning flights to Southampton were cancelled because of black ice on the runway there.

Lt-Governor Sir John Foley, who planned to fly later, also had to scrap his travel plans.

'We're very disappointed, not only for ourselves but also for the crew of HMS Guernsey,' said Mr Richings.

'In some ways, it was going to be a sad occasion and it's a shame we weren't there to support the crew.'

At a lunchtime ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base, HMS Guernsey was handed over to the Bangladesh Navy.

It marked the end of a 26-year link between the island and the Royal Navy. The ship will now be known as BNS Turag and its former name will not pass to any new Royal Navy vessel.

'It's an exceedingly sad day to see the decommissioning of such a great vessel,' said Guernsey Association of Royal Navy and Royal Marines president Brian Salmon, who was one of only a handful of Guernsey representatives in Portsmouth.

'She was a great fisheries protection vessel and we were honoured that she was named after the island and that she was one of the last to be sold.'

Launched in Aberdeen in 1977, HMS Guernsey was one of seven Island Class fishery protection vessels purpose-built to be used in the Cod Wars against Iceland. All the ships were named after British islands - HMS Jersey and HMS Alderney were also part of the fleet.

'The people of Guernsey have been very fond of the ship and many have taken an interest in its progress,' said States Supervisor Mike Brown, who also attended the ceremony.

'There were mixed emotions during the handover. It is not as if it is the end for the vessel but, for the people of Guernsey and the crew on board, it is a slightly sad occasion despite the respect that they have for those who are taking over.'

Speaking at the airport, Mr Rowland said: 'I am in no doubt that the people of Guernsey will look back on their association with the ship with great affection.

'The contribution which the ship and her officers and other crew made to life in our community in so many ways over a period of 26 years will always be remembered.'

In 2002, HMS Guernsey won the Jersey Cup for outstanding endeavour in the field. In the previous 12 months, the vessel completed 148 fishery protection patrol days and 300 inspections of UK foreign vessels. Its work also included marine counter-terrorism, anti-pollution operations, assisting fishermen, search and rescue and working with Customs and Excise.

Lt-Commander Chris Bourne was the commanding officer during the last six months of its Royal Navy life.

'I have really enjoyed my time over the last six months. The vessel is in fantastic condition and has been like that since she was commissioned,' he said.

He added that during his time in command, the ship had been conducting normal fishery protection duties. Since November, when she made her last visit to Guernsey, preparations had begun for the handover.

'The Bangladesh Navy are well-trained and will be able to utilise the ship fully in their fishery protection operations, counter-piracy work and coastal patrols,' said Lt-Cdr Bourne.

The vessel was the fourth to bear the name of the island; the first was christened in 1654.

HMS Guernsey and HMS Lindisfarne, which was also decommissioned and handed over to the Bangladesh Navy yesterday, was the last of the Island Class vessels remaining with the Royal Navy.

Four of the other five, including HMS Jersey in 1994 and HMS Alderney in 2002, have already been decommissioned and handed over to the Bangladesh Navy, while HMS Orkney was transferred to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.