HMS Severn takes part in the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival

HMS Severn was warmly welcomed to the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival at the weekend.

Having opened her doors to the public over two sunny days, almost 2,300 members of the public, three dogs and nearly a dozen small pirates came on board the River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) eager to experience life on board a Royal Navy Warship.

The crowds of visitors were welcomed aboard by the Ship’s Company who displayed the wide range of capabilities the Ship offers to the Royal Navy.  

The festival atmosphere was met with enthusiasm and professionalism by the Ship’s Company, who took great pleasure in showing off their ship before she returns to sea to patrol British waters.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Hugh Harris Royal Navy, said, “I am delighted to bring HMS Severn to Belfast in support of the Festival.  It has been a great opportunity to interact with the public and increase awareness of the key roles HMS Severn performs for the Royal Navy in home waters.”

The Irish Naval ship LÉ ROISÍN was also a guest at the festival, which afforded Severn’s Ship’s company the opportunity to show off their sporting skill with a football match against the Irish.

Correspondence Officer, Lieutenant Ben Gwilliam Royal Navy said, “The football match was a fantastic way to strengthen relations with the Irish Navy as well as offering a bit of respite for us after a busy period at sea. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day”.

For reasons of diplomacy, the final score remains classified.

The ship is expected to be open to visitors again in the coming weeks when she takes part in various other summer events.  

In the mean time, HMS Severn will return to sea, conducting fishery protection duties and patrol of UK waters.