Royal Navy sailors delighted to be on Island for TT

HMS Middleton visits Manx shores

The captain of a Royal Navy warship which has been based in Manx waters this week has told Manx Radio his crew were delighted to witness the TT.

HMS Middleton was docked in Douglas Harbour until yesterday (2 June); the hunt class mine countermeasures vessel had previously been in Bahrain.

As well as watching some of the racing action officers also got to see a Peel P50 up close when one was winched onboard.

Lieutenant Commander Rob Garner says the crew had a 'good run ashore':

During the visit a Peel P50 was hauled aboard as part of a training exercise with the Manx Motor Museum team.

Brian Diehl of the Manx Transport Heritage Museum told Manx Radio: "Seaman ET Garlick contacted me on board HMS Middleton saying his ship was visiting the Isle of Man and would love to see the P50.

"While we were there there was a crane working on a cruise ship and we asked the crane operator what would be the chances of him lifting the P50 onto the war ship? 

"And they facilitated, for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity!

"A big thank you to all involved and Captain Rob for allowing this."