Towing Exercise

Following a successful Assisted Maintenance Period (AMP) in Glen Mallan, RFA Fort Rosalie participated in a towing exercise with the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) emergency towing vessel Anglian Prince.  Prior to sailing for the exercise Captain W G Tait assumed command.

The purpose of the towing exercise was to practise and develop emergency towing procedures. During the exercise a party of 10 representatives from the MCA and MoD Salvage & Marine Operations embarked to observe events first hand.  The exercise involved RFA Fort Rosalie being towed by ETV Anglian Prince using various methods to pass the towing line including the MCA Search and Rescue helicopter based at Stornoway for one serial (see attached photos).  The exercise culminated in Anglian Prince conducting a tow from RFA Fort Rosalie’s stern and the trial of a prototype drogue designed to reduce the rate of drift of a disabled vessel. The exercise was found to be valuable experience for all involved, especially the trainee SG2s, as towing / being towed is not an operation frequently undertaken by RFAs. 

The ships company have also raised money for the children’s cancer charity ‘Christopher’s Smile’ at a recent ship’s barbeque and games night.  The cheque for £217 was presented to the charity by Third Officer Simon Tudor (see attached photo).

More pictures in the Photo Gallery