RFA Typhoon

RFA Typhoon

 

 

Previous name:
Subsequent name:               P. Typhoon  Somalian Glory

Official Number:                     301095       

Class:                                     TYPHOON Class Salvage Tug

Pennant No:                           A95

Laid down:
Builder:                                    Henry Robb, Leith, Scotland
Launched:                              14 October 1958
Into Service:                           June 1960
Out of service:                        1989
Fate:                                         Sold commercially

 

 

Items of historic interest involving this ship: -

 

Background Data:  This “one-off” vessel was completed as a replacement for the ageing wartime BUSTLER CLASS vessels and at her conception it seemed likely that she would be the forerunner of a whole Class of similar vessels, but this was not to be. The machinery arrangement of two diesel engines geared to a single shaft was an innovation for naval ocean-going tugs. Originally an RFA, she was fitted for fire-fighting, salvage and ocean rescue work with a heavy mainmast and derrick attached. She later transferred to the RMAS and was stationed at naval bases at Singapore, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Portland during her career

 

14 October 1958 launched by Henry Robb Ltd, Leith as Yard Nr 460 named TYPHOON

12 November 1959 Captain H J Jones MBE  (Lieutenant Commander RNR) appointed as Master

June 1960 completed

19 July 1965 with RFA Samsonia towed HMS Roberts from Devonport to the breakers yard at Inverkeithing arriving in berth there on 3 August 1965

1 April 1968 Captain A W Jewers appointed as Master

27 July 1970 off the east coast of Johore took in tow a fishing boat SM 591 found to have broken down to nearby Palau Aur for repairs

19 October 1979 underwent repairs at Falmouth Docks

28 December 1979 sailing from Plymouth was involved in the rescue of a Spanish Butane tanker mv Butaseis which was on fire and drifting towards Brixham, Devon. The crew had abandoned ship. A naval fire party and members of the Devon Fire Service eventually extinguished the blaze and she was towed into Plymouth 

4 April 1982 sailed from Portland for duties involved in the Falklands War with a RMAS crew. Was awarded a "Falkland Island 1982" Battle Honour. Captain J N Morris was in command

27 May 1982 at South Georgia used (in part) to move elements of the Army's 5th Brigade to the Ferry Norland

8 June 1982 towed RFA Sir Galahad from Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to sea to be sunk as a war grave.

1989 after a refit was laid up at Portsmouth

May 1989 on the Sales List at Portsmouth

June 1989 purchased by Cantabra Metalurgica S.A, for demolition at Santander but was resold  to Petros Shipping Co Ltd, Valetta for further service

4 July 1989 sailed Portsmouth under her own power, name unchanged

1989 Renamed P. TYPHOON by her owners

1992 converted into a trawler

1993 renamed SOMALIAN GLORY by her owners

3 January 1993 was attacked by pirates in three boats and with automatic weapons. They fired at the ship. There were no reported injuries.

2002 deleted