Catamaran HMS Magpie has spent three days at sea under the White Ensign for the first time as her crew get to know how the survey ship handles.
A replacement for HMS Gleaner which retired earlier in 2018 after 35 years' service, Magpie was commissioned in June – the first of numerous new small craft the Royal Navy is acquiring to replace ageing work/support boats.
Magpie spent two days on the Dart before calling in on the small fishing port/resort of Salcombe – her affiliated town where Mayor Nikki Turton was waiting to greet Lieutenant Commander William Alexander and his small ship's company, before being given a quick tour of the 18-metre catamaran.
Magpie is tasked with surveying the places other parts of the RN Hydrographic Squadron cannot reach thanks to her size and shallow draught.
