One of navy’s smallest ships returns to action

Hi-tech survey launch HMS Magpie will ‘shine light into darkness’ (her new motto) as she hoovers up data and information about the waters and coastline of the nation’s key harbours.

The 18m catamaran is the ninth Magpie and has been specifically named after the wartime sloop/post-war frigate, which was commanded by Prince Philip between 1950 and 1952.

The ship is currently undergoing her annual maintenance period/overhaul in the hands of Mashfords, across the water from her home base of Devonport in Cremyll. She’s due back in the water at the end of the month.

Her size and the fact that she’s packed from bow to stern with leading-edge sonar and scanning equipment means she can survey inshore waters larger vessels in the Royal Navy’s Hydrographic and Survey Flotilla cannot – and in unparalleled detail, providing the most accurate mapping of ports, harbours and shipping lanes in home waters.

Magpie is the navy’s smallest, survey vessel, permanently assigned to inshore work – gathering data for the UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton on key civilian and military ports around Britain to ensure the safety of all mariners.

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