Research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough undergoes sea trials off north coast

Rare sight: RRS Sir David Attenborough in the waters off Portrush on Monday

Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph

Rare sight: RRS Sir David Attenborough in the waters off Portrush on Monday

Andrew Madden and Gillian Halliday

February 15 2021 10:30 PM

While not the legendary naturalist himself, one Sir David Attenborough could be spotted off the north coast on Monday.

As part of ongoing sea trials and mariner training, one of the most advanced polar research vessels, which is named in honour of the veteran wildlife broadcaster, was seen sailing in the waters near Castlerock.

On board was another vessel that may ring a bell for many - the one and only Boaty McBoatface.

Back in 2016 RRS Boaty McBoatface nearly came into being in the form of the 129-metre vessel when BBC Radio Jersey presenter James Hand suggested the humorous moniker as part of a naming initiative for the ship launched by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

While the funny title won the poll, it was instead decided to name the ship RRS Sir David Attenborough.

But that was not the end of Boaty McBoatface, as it is the name of one of the vessel's remotely-controlled submarines.

Costing £200m, RRS Sir David Attenborough was handed over to the NERC, which commissioned it, and operators the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), by shipbuilder Cammell Laird on November 27 last year.

It is expected to start polar operations this year following a period of intensive training, trialling and testing.

It represents the UK Government's largest investment in the field of polar science since the 1980s.

The ship is designed to operate in extreme environments and is equipped with a range of specialist facilities, laboratories and tools to help scientists study the ocean, seafloor, ice and atmosphere.

With a strengthened hull that can break through ice up to one metre thick and the ability to spend up to 60 days at sea, the ship can undertake extensive voyages.

RRS Sir David Attenborough will operate year-round, spending part of the year supporting Arctic research cruises and part in the Antarctic carrying out research and bringing people and supplies to BAS stations on the continent.

For Coleraine man Matthew Neill, chief officer aboard, the ship's visit to the scenic north coast was something of a homecoming for the sailor, who lives in Magilligan.

"We've been out on sea trials. Last week we left Holyhead in Wales and then we went to the west coast of Scotland, testing the systems and basically how to drive the ship," he told the Belfast Telegraph on Monday night.

"And then on the way back south - because I'm from Northern Ireland - we had the opportunity to swing past and do some trials off the Northern Irish coast.

"We started at Magilligan, then slowly made our way to Portrush, past Portstewart. Then we made our way to the Giant's Causeway, and then towards Rathlin."

Matthew Neill on the bridge of the ship

At Portrush the crew carried out some anchoring trials and man overboard exercises, all in preparation ahead of the vessel going off to "deep sea".

He added: "We are looking to go south to Antarctica in November this year, until possibly May 2022."

Due to Covid restrictions, neither Matthew nor the 30-strong crew could come ashore, but the vessel still received a warm welcome.

"Polar vessels are always red and they are quite an unusual ship, so going close to the coast, people are always amazed by it, because they'll probably never see it again," explained Matthew.

"There was a good turnout of people at Portrush as well, waving at us, and pictures on social media as well.

"It was also great to see people I've worked with for years and everyone was really positive about the north coast.

"They really liked the scenery. Some of the guys who own their own boats are definitely going to come up here when they're allowed to."

The ship is now on course to Falmouth, before returning to Holyhead in a few days' time.

Reflecting on his brief trip back home, Matthew stressed it had been great to be able to "show it off".

"The [Boaty McBoatface] name doesn't bother me because it brought attention to what it's about, and people are becoming more aware of environmental issues," he added.

Research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough undergoes sea trials off north coast

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