Fantastic plastic effort by Gulf-based sailors

Gulf-based sailors did their bit for the environment by tackling the scourge of plastics in our oceans.

Crew from frigate HMS Montrose and minehunter HMS Shoreham, plus personnel serving at the hub of RN operations in the region, the UKMCC, joined physical trainer Petty Officer George Wright for a spot of adventurous training.

Instead of the usual activities just off the shore of Bahrain such as paddle boarding and snorkelling, however, George organised a litter pick-up on the shore, compounded by a trawl of the sea bed for trash.

“It became apparent there was a disturbing number of plastics and metals left on the beautiful seabed. Seeing brightly coloured fish swimming in and out of man-made materials is upsetting,” the senior rating said. “Spending a few hours cleaning up the mess – hopefully raising some awareness of the destruction caused – is a good use of our time”.

Four barrels of rubbish were collected by the snorkelers alone, including a barnacle covered chair and a radio antenna – neither of which belong in the sea.

Chief Petty Officer (Diver) Gerard Mulholland, HMS Shoreham’s coxswain, was among the volunteers.

“As a diver with 20 years’ service in the Royal Navy, I have seen first-hand the impact pollution has by way of plastic and other debris. This pollution is clear to see and unfortunately steadily increasing,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ve helped a little to educate those in the local area by participating in the beach clean. It has also helped to reinforce our community bonds with the residents of Bahrain”.

PO Wright added: “Seeing people’s positive reaction to our efforts was good to see. Hopefully we have raised some awareness of where our rubbish may end up.”