Showing posts with label Onyx. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Onyx. Show all posts

Thursday, 2 October 2014

"HMS" Onyx - Update


I popped in to the yard today and documented a few more images of 'Onyx' as the dismantling continues.

I've been disappointed to read incorrect comments on the entire scenario of the factual details of how the sad demise of her have been documented in various places on the web.

 I can discount this - "the yard had sold the rights to photograph the vessel" - as complete nonsense and with no evidence to support such a statement. So how many other statements have been made without foundation comes to my mind?

 I have a trustful and respectful relationship with the yard management that allows me to take images, and without their very kind approval we would not have secured images below decks before the dismantling began.

 For that I personally am very grateful, as I believe others should be.

 Unlike many who have gone to the yard without permission and any heed to safety issues, I have always ensured I have been respectful of the working environment and followed safety rules completely.

 As much as I would like to have seen 'Onyx' preserved it is clear that sufficient monies were never raised for what would have been a massive outlay. 

Also bear in mind that she lay at Barrow-in-Furness for about seven years but unfortunately the project there was unsuccessful. So past efforts were an indication of what could happen.

 In the absence of anything happening here I believe that it is good that the local workers at least have employment in the dismantling process, and that the job did not go to another country.

 Dismantling Continues


 High and Dry


 Beached View


 From the Beach Area


 From the Pier


Decay and Rust is Evident

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Thursday, 29 May 2014

(HMS) Onyx Update


I was afforded the opportunity to take some images of the interior of the submarine Onyx today.

She is at Roseneath awaiting her fate as various groups attempt to raise money to save her and have her as an exhibit either in Helensburgh or Inverclyde.

I seriously doubt this will happen as the cost of restoration would run in to many millions of pounds.

To my untrained eye the interior was in fair condition but the exterior is a sorry sight I'm sorry to report.

There are numerous examples of the Oberon class already preserved all around the world so with a potential bill of around perhaps £10 million pounds I expect that Onyx will not be saved.

However I hope my photographs give a fair representation to those who will not get aboard one of this class of submarine, and to those who served in her.

Bank of Torpedo Tubes

Control Room

Engine room

Control Room

The Only Way is Up

Wardroom

Senior Chief Petty Officers Accommodation

Looking Aft

Signs of Decay

 Flaking


More Decay

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Decommissioned Royal Navy Submarine Onyx


The former Royal Navy diesel-electric submarine 'Onyx' today arrived at Roseneath to spend her final days.

She was towed up from Barrow by the tug 'Bruiser'.

She is an Oberon class submarine originally ordered for the Royal Canadian Navy but taken up by the Royal Navy while under construction.

She was launched on August 1966 and commissioned in September 1967.

She had the distinction of serving in the Falklands War.

After decommissioning in 1991 she has had a varied life as a variety of organisations have tried to preserve her, but sadly these efforts have failed and she will now be dismantled.

 Off Helensburgh

Preparing to come in to Roseneath

DRB Marine Services Banner 


Approaching Roseneath Jetty

 Almost There


'Battler' in Support


Berthing


Safely Berthed


(HMS) Onyx Arrives for Dismantling

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.