HMS Scimitar (P284)

For other ships of the same name, see HMS Scimitar.
HMS Scimitar off Gibraltar in 2013
Career (UK)
Name: HMS Scimitar
Operator: Royal Navy
Identification: Pennant number: P284
Status: in active service, as of 2015
General characteristics
Class and type:Scimitar-class patrol vessel
Displacement:24 tonnes (24 long tons)
Length:16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Beam:3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)
Draught:1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Propulsion:
Speed:32 knots (37 mph; 59 km/h)
Range:260 nmi (480 km) at 19 kn (35 km/h)
Complement:7 (1 officer, 6 ratings)
Sensors and
processing systems:
Armament:

HMS Scimitar is a Scimitar-class fast patrol boat of the British Royal Navy. She is a Lifespan Patrol Vessel type boat and formerly served in inland waterway duties in Northern Ireland as MV Grey Fox. She was acquired to serve with the Gibraltar Squadron, tasked with policing, customs and search and rescue duties. This released an Archer-class patrol vessel for tasking with the Cyprus Squadron.

Scimitar was involved in a diplomatic incident between the United Kingdom and Spain in November 2009 after being alleged by the Spanish to have been using the Spanish flag as a target during gunnery practice. The Ministry of Defence stated that the ship had actually been shooting at a NATO maritime signal flag, which is similar in appearance.[1]

On 3 May 2011 Scimitar was dispatched to intercept the Spanish Serviola-class patrol boat Atalaya when she entered British waters around Gibraltar and ordered ships to leave the area.[2]

References

  1. "UK 'sorry' for shooting at 'Spanish flag' buoy.". British Broadcasting Corporation. November 2009. Retrieved 2009-12-31.
  2. "Gibraltar Slams New 'Incursion' By Spanish Navy.". Defence News. May 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-10.

External links