6 Naval visitors arrived on Saturday 9th October for the weekend.
On a very, very cold misty Saturday morning (07:30am). The first vessel arrived, she was the Belgian command and logistical support ship BNS Godetia (A960). The Godetia has three missions: fishery protection, acting as a support and supply ship for minesweepers, and acting as a command ship for mine countermeasure operations.
She is seen here approaching the lock gates
In the locks
Next came the Dutch Alkmaar class minehunter HrMs Haarlem (M853). Haarlem is one of many Triparte class minehunters.
She is seen here approaching the locks with BNS Aster (M915) and sister Hellevoetsluis behind.
In the lock behing BNS Godeita (A960).
Next up was HrMs Middleburg (M858), seen here arriving Leith with sisters Hellevoetsluis (M859) and Vlaardingen (M863) behind.
HrMs Middleburg (M858), seen here arriving Leith on the left behind is BNS Aster (M915) and to the right her sisters Hellevoetsluis (M859) and Vlaardingen (M863) behind.
Almost in the lock.
The fourth ship (and the third Triparte minehunter) to arrive was the Belgian vessel BNS Aster (M915).
Seen here being escorted by the Forth Ports tug Seal Carr
The penultimate ship was the Dutch Hellevoetsluis (M859).
Last but not least was the Dutch vessel Vlaardingen (M863).
Seen here being escorted by the Forth Ports tug Seal Carr
And finally after over an hour of waiting the last ship enters the lock
The two escorting Forth Ports tugs were Seal Carr and Beamer
