HMS Scylla (F71)

Scylla - Odinn scrap

HMS Scylla - 18176508430

HMS Scylla (F71) underway in 1989

HMS Scylla (F71) was a Leander-class frigate of the Royal Navy. She was named after the sea monster Scylla from Greek mythology, reflecting the tradition of the Royal Navy to name ships in a manner that evokes historical and mythological figures. HMS Scylla was built by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead, launched on 8 August 1968, and commissioned into the Royal Navy on 14 February 1970.

Design and Description

The Leander-class frigates were designed as anti-submarine warfare vessels, with a secondary role of anti-aircraft warfare. HMS Scylla, like her sister ships, was equipped with a range of weapons and sensors to fulfill these roles. She was fitted with a twin 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun for surface targets, Sea Cat missile system for air defense, and Limbo anti-submarine mortars. Additionally, she carried a Wasp helicopter, which could deploy torpedoes or depth charges.

Operational History

Throughout her service, HMS Scylla was involved in various operations and exercises around the world. She played a role in the Cod Wars between the United Kingdom and Iceland, patrolling fishing areas and protecting British trawlers. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Scylla saw service in the Persian Gulf, reflecting the Royal Navy's commitment to maintaining a presence in key international waters.

In 1982, during the Falklands War, although Scylla was not directly involved in the conflict, she played a supporting role in the wider operation. Her duties included patrolling areas of the Atlantic as part of the effort to maintain a naval blockade of the Falkland Islands and to protect British merchant vessels.

Decommissioning and Fate

HMS Scylla was decommissioned from active service in 1993. In a pioneering move aimed at creating an artificial reef, she was deliberately sunk off the coast of Cornwall on 27 March 2004. The sinking was designed to promote marine life and has since become a popular site for divers, contributing to the local economy and marine research.

Legacy

The sinking of HMS Scylla as an artificial reef marked a significant moment in the use of decommissioned naval vessels to benefit marine environments. It demonstrated a creative approach to dealing with such ships, beyond scrapping or leaving them to rust. Today, the site is not only a tribute to the ship's service but also a thriving marine habitat, attracting divers from around the world.