After a sell-out event at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven to promote his latest book ‘Erebus: The Story of a Ship’, Sir Michael Palin journeyed to the historic dockyard of Pembroke Dock (Thursday 18th July 19) to go onboard Mainstay Marine’s latest vessel build; the intuitively named ‘Erebus’.
Palin’s latest novel documents the 1826 Pembroke Dock built ‘HMS Erebus’ which was made famous by two major polar expeditions including the voyage embarked on the Franklin Expedition to find the North-West Passage later deemed one of the greatest disasters in British polar history. In 2014, the sunken wreck of Erebus was finally rediscovered.
Named in honour of the pioneer Royal Navy Ship, the 10.5m self-righting RIB will be delivered to Cammell Laird Shipbuilders shortly for use on the UK’s New Polar Research Vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough.
Mainstay’s Managing Director, Stewart Graves commented “We are delighted to have been involved in yet another iconic project of national importance and are thrilled that Sir Michael agreed to take time out of his undoubtedly busy schedule to visit Erebus the sequel.”
Designed and built by Mainstay in accordance with MCA Workboat Code, the vessel is capable of a maximum speed of 25knots with a full power duty cycle of 1500 hrs per year. The vessel can accommodate 8 crew at any one time and is able to ‘self-right’ in the event of a capsize. Erebus will be used to transport personnel and supplies to and from British Antarctic Survey’s island stations as well as undertaking some scientific research.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council, built by Cammell Laird for operation by British Antarctic Survey, the RRS Sir David Attenborough is part of a major Government polar infrastructure investment programme designed to keep Britain at the forefront of world-leading research in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Featured Image courtesy of Martin Cavaney Photography
From left to right: John Harper- British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Sir Michael Palin, Will Whatley (BAS), Mel Lewis – Mainstay Marine.
For more information contact Charlotte.Wood@mainstaymarine.co.uk or alternatively call 01646 681117
