Vessel Name: HMS Endurance

Vessel Weight: – Just under 10,000 ton

Description: During the winter of 2008/2009, HMS Endurance suffered a horrendous flood, nearly ending her life just off the coast of Chili.  A faulty valve operation left over 1 ton of water flooding into the engine space per second, nearly sinking her within 45 minutes (see discovery channel documentary – Ice Breakers).  After the brave recovery and control from her crew, Endurance was saved and left docked off the coast of the Falklands Islands in January 2009. Lucion were contracted by the MoD to travel out to the ship, in order to survey the ship for hazards, prior to the towing and refit operation, due to take place back in the UK’s Portsmouth Naval Base.  An asbestos survey, and full hazard identification survey was carried out, highlighting the need for a full environmental decontamination to take place  on board.  This would allow for the vessel to be safely towed up through the tropics without continual growth of toxins and bacteria as atmospheric temperatures increased.  Endurance arrived safely back in port, in the summer of 2009 where she under went a full refit prior to returning to operational duties.