Showing posts with label Roseneath. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roseneath. Show all posts

Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Vanguard Class Submarine Departing Faslane Naval Base


Up early so thought I'd take a chance and head over to Faslane.

Just managed to catch the outbound submarine as she passed Rhu on her way to sea.

Stayed dry - a bonus - though looked a bit dismal in the morning light.

 Approaching Rhu Spit

 Entourage

Pilot and Crew

 Past the Rhu Spit

 Royal Marines Support

Heading to Sea

Escorted Departure

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

Wednesday, 25 February 2015

MV Saturn Returns


The MV Saturn has been berthed at Roseneath for about five years now with an uncertain future.

She was launched in 1977 in Troon, and entered service in February 1978.

She was owned by Caledonian MacBrayne and operated mostly on the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay passage and gave many years of faithful service with her sister ships MV Juno and MV Jupiter.

Both have now been dismantled.

Pentland Ferries have now purchased MV Saturn and this will ensure she offers many more years service in and around the waters of Orkney.

She was towed from Roseneath to Greenock by the tugs Biter and Beaver Bay where she will receive some TLC and fresh paint before her journey north.

 Wheelhouse


 Wheelhouse


 Departing Roseneath


 Looking Good Below Decks


 Enroute to Greenock


 Greenock Straight Ahead


 Below Decks


 Happy Transfer Crew


 Enthusiastic Reception


Approaching Garvel Dry Dock

Entering Garvel Dry Dock

Dry Dock Awaits

 Looking Down


 Car Deck


Wheelhouse

Safely Docked

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

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.

Monday, 16 June 2014

Gareloch Today


A drive over to the Gareloch early doors this morning and caught a French visitor to our waters in lovely warm sunshine.

I spoke with a number of German tourists staying at a Rhu hotel and they were thoroughly enjoying their visit to Scotland - it was nice to hear.

Headed across to see how the dismantling of the submarine Onyx was progressing and managed a few shots courtesy of DRB Marine.

French Frigate 'La Motte-Picquet' (D645) 


Passing Rhu

 Bound for Faslane Naval Base

 Severe Decay

 Escape Hatch Showing Heavy Rust

 Work has Begun

 Vey Poor Condition

 Inside the Fin

Fin

 Empty Battery Compartment

Empty Battery Compartment 

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.