New Patrol Vessel for Falklands
The ship that is to replace both the Castle-class ships, for patrol duties in Falklands waters, was launched last week. HMS Clyde is a River Class design with a helicopter deck capable of accepting helicopters up to the size of the new Merlin. She also has increased accommodation to cater for an embarked force and higher levels of survivability and surveillance radar. The 263-ft. vessel will accommodate a crew of 36 with additional accommodation for up to 20 extra personnel. Although there will only be one ship in the Falklands, HMS Clyde is more technologically capable than the Dumbarton and Leeds Castle and will be available for operational duty more often than the 25 year old Castle-class ships. Source: MercoPress
USCG Arrests Master for Intoxication
Jim Letten , United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Rear Adm. Robert Duncan, Commander Eighth Coast Guard District and Special Agent in Charge Donald G. Lane of the Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service (CGIS) Gulf Region, announced the arrest of Yuriy Roshkalyov, captain of the motor vessel Leeds Castle for operating a commercial vessel under the influence of alcohol in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Section 2302. The statute, a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable with up to one (1) year imprisonment, prohibits the operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. Roshkalyov was arrested and removed from the vessel on April 17, 2006.
