HMS Protector breaks down and leaves UK without an Ice Patrol

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HMS Protector suffered engine problems and was towed to Plymouth, leaving the UK without an active ice patrol vessel. The breakdown may accelerate the Royal Navy’s assessment of whether to replace the 25-year-old ship.

Britain has been left without its Ice Patrol after HMS Protector on Tuesday suffered engine problems and had to be towed back to Plymouth, according to reports in the media. This could speed the Royal Navy’s assessment as to whether the vessel originally built in Norway and now with 25 years of rough seas in both poles has to be replaced.