Name RMAS Typhoon Type Ocean-going tug Beam 40 ft (12 m)' Launched 1960 | Commissioned 1960 Length 200 ft (61 m)' Construction started 17 May 1958 Builder Leith | |
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Displacement 800 tons standard1380 tons full load | ||
RMAS Typhoon (A95) was an ocean-going tug of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS). She was designed for ocean towing, rescue, salvage and fire-fighting. She is notable as being the first ship to leave the United Kingdom ahead of the task force for the South Atlantic during the 1982 Falklands War, and for her fishery protection role in the Cod Wars.
History
The ship was repaired at Falmouth ship repair yard on 19 October 1979, and was also involved in the rescue of the Spanish butane tanker, MV Butaseis, which was aflame and drifting towards the village of Brixton, Devon. The tug stayed as part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary until included in the RMAS.
Typhoon saw service in the Falklands War until May 1987 under Captain J N Morris with an all-civilian crew from Portland Harbour. She was the first ship – albeit a civilian vessel – to leave the UK ahead of the task force, and a member of the crew placed the Welsh flag on board RFA Sir Galahad just before Typhoon towed her out to sea to be scuttled by a submarine. During the war, the ship was heavily involved in logistic duties, transferring fresh water to the task force at a rate of 18 tons per trip, and loading part of 17 Brigade onto the MV Norland in preparation for the San Carlos landings.