H.M.S. Endurance
A.171
1982
(Albatros ALK-79)
- Class: Ice Patrol Ship
- Displacement: 3,600 tons
- Dimensions: 305 x 46 x 18 ft.
- Machinery: 1 Burmeister & Wain diesel, one shaft 3220 ihp = 14.5 knots
- Guns: 2-20mm cannons
- Aircraft: 2 Wasp ASW helicopters
- Complement: 119
- Builder: Krögerwerft, Rendsburg, Denmark, 1956
- Service: Built as Anita Dan. Purchased from J. Lauritzen Lines, Copenhagen, in 1967. Converted by Harland and Wolff, Belfast, including the installation of scientific and surveying equipment, flight deck and hangar. Her annual program was to leave the UK with a new crew and Royal Marine detachment in the fall, cruise to the South Atlantic, and return to the UK about April. It was announced that she would be paid off in 1982, which was
interpreted by the Argentine government that the UK was no longer interested in patrolling the Antarctic. This was one factor leading to the Argentine decision to occupy South Georgia and the Falklands. Endurance played a key role in recapturing South Georgia, with her helicopters and Marines.
Up