Name Cefas Endeavour Yard number 712 Launched 14 August 2002 Weight 2,983 tons Builder Ferguson Shipbuilders | Owner P&O Maritime Services In service 2003 Tonnage 2983 GRT, 894 NRT Length 73 m Draft 5.5 m | |
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RV Cefas Endeavour is an ocean-going fisheries research vessel which is based at the port of Lowestoft and is operated by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). She is used to support all aspects of Cefas activities from fish stock surveys to launching autonomous monitoring equipment.
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History
Cefas Endeavour was constructed at Ferguson Shipbuilders in Glasgow. She was named by Lindsay Murray, Cefas' science area head for environmental management at Burnham-on-Crouch, who is also wife of the chief executive Peter Greig-Smith. The naming ceremony took place on 20 June 2003.
The ship was built to replace the former research vessel RV Cirolana, and is designed to minimise underwater noise, which minimises fish disturbance and ensures better results from sonar equipment. Operation is currently outsourced by Cefas to P&O Maritime Services.
On 7 November 2003 she was at Duchy Wharf, Falmouth, for unspecified minor repairs. In 2014, her captain was reported as Paul Kersey.
From circa 2008 to 2011, Cefas Endeavour completed a survey – the East Coast Regional Environmental Characterisation – to discover more about the seabed from north Norfolk to Walberswick, covering an area of 3,300 square kilometres (1,300 sq mi). Combining data with existing records, researchers were able to produce maps on tidal patterns, water temperature, and general biodiversity. The aim of the survey was to map and record features such as sub-tidal reefs and sandbanks. The team also discovered the wreck of HMS Exmoor, several Second World War aircraft, and hand axes, cores, and flakes dating from the Palaeolithic period. They also discovered a specimen of Rissoides desmaresti, a rare mantis shrimp that was previously unknown in the area.
In summer 2011, the ship was carrying MARINElife researchers, and spotted 20 endangered fin whales, in five pods, for approximately 30 minutes. According to Tom Brereton, a research director from Marine Life, these were very unusual numbers to see at the same time.
Rescues
The ship has been involved in a number of rescues:
Local events
Cefas Endeavour's crew take part in the Macmillan Cancer Support yearly coffee morning, and in 2010 raised £850 for charity, with their 2011 target being £1000. In 2014, she took part in an international commemorative event organised by UNESCO and the International Maritime Organization to commemorate 100 years since Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, leading to the start of World War I. She flew her ensign at half-mast from 08:00 to 18:30 and sounded her horn for 30 seconds at 6pm.
The ship also helps the University of Exeter, by allowing joint research projects in which students can join the Cefas Endeavour for scientific cruises.