1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that several marine events to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy “D-Day” Landings will be taking place in May and June 2024. The purpose of this Local Notice to Mariners is to alert the marine community to the arrival of the ‘FREEDOM FLAME’ which will involve a number of vessels and the sounding of marine sirens planned for the 14 May and 4 June 2024.
2. The ‘FREEDOM FLAME’ will arrive onboard the Brittany Ferry GALICIA on the 14 May at 1900. The GALICIA will be accompanied by the tall ship ETOILE, historic vessel MEDUSA, 2 x historic motor gun boats MGB81 and HSL 102, two tugs supplied by Serco and SMS respectively and P2000’s HMS EXPRESS and HMS RANGER.
3. British, Commonwealth and Allies Veterans will be departing Portsmouth on 4th June on the 0800 cross-channel Brittany Ferry NORMANDIE, accompanied by the tall ship ETOILE, historic vessel MEDUSA, 2 x historic motor gun boats MGB81 and HSL 102, two tug’s supplied by Serco and SMS respectively and P2000’s HMS TRUMPETER and HMS DASHER. for the D-Day 80 commemorations in France.
4. Under the terms of the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005, the Portsmouth approach channel, between Round Tower and Outer Spit Buoy, and small boats channel, between 4 Bar Buoy and Ballast Pile, will be closed on 14 May between 1850 and 1920 then on 04 June between 0800 and 0845 to allow safe passage of the flotilla.
5. It is intended for all Royal Naval and Commercial vessels to mark the NORMANDIE departure by simultaneously sounding of Sirens with other craft operating in the vicinity / on the route being encouraged to join in using their own sirens. (Siren will / can be used from the Ferry departing Portsmouth International Port until she has passed OSB - duration approx. 20mins)
6. Both tugs will provide a water display and will be positioned at the stern of the flotilla on 14 May and 4 June 2024.
7. Mariners are warned of the wash likely to be created by the flotilla and advised to remain well clear.
8. Cancel this Local Notice to Mariners 5 June 2024.
Thursday 02 May 2024
G W BISHOP
King's Harbour Master
Owners, Agents, Charterers, Marinas, Yacht Clubs and Recreational Sailing Organisations should ensure that the contents of this Notice are made known to the masters or persons in charge of their vessels or craft.
