HMS GRIMSBY - M108

Another member of the 'Sandown' class of Single Role Mine Hunters was seen on the Clyde this afternoon. This one, HMS GRIMSBY, has just returned to service following a lengthy period of repairs following an incident while on exercise in Norway. Two years ago, GRIMSBY struck the side of a fjord, and although apparently not holed, she did receive some hull damage which necessitated her return to the UK for repairs. These were carried out by Babcock Marine at Rosyth, and included fitting a new forefoot, bilge keel and longitudinal stiffeners, together with laminating hull inserts. It was the largest repair of its type on one of the Royal Navy's GRP ships, and was estimated to have cost in excess of £3 million.