During the month of August 2019 , the last 2 from a class of 5 British small fleet tankers serving with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) did their last voyage, this time towed to the breakers in Aliaga at Turkey.
Tenders for what became 5 ships were invited in 1967. Problems with the original propulsion led to the first three of the class being re-engined in 1974. The final two had minor changes including improved accommodation and different stern anchor arrangements.
On Sunday 11th August the 2007 built MLT flag tug AMBER II was seen leaving Portsmouth Naval Base, UK towing the 1974 built tanker RFA BLACK ROVER A 273.
They passed offshore Malta back to the 26th August –
On Tuesday 13th August the 2009 built MLT flag tug OPAL was seen leaving Portsmouth Naval Base, UK towing the 1974 built tanker RFA GOLD ROVER A 271. The latter was decommissioned in a sunset ceremony at the base on 6th March 2017 and she was used on various occasions as Pilot Training.
All Photos by our correspondent Ms. Amy Savage. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
