BNS Shaibal , formerly HMS Helford , is a River-class minesweeper of the Bangladeshi Navy. She is serving Bangladeshi Navy from 1995.

History
Bangladesh
NameShaibal
BuilderRichards Dry Dock and Engineering Limited
Launched16 May 1984
Commissioned27 April 1995
StatusIn active service
General characteristics
Displacement
  • 850 long tons (864 t) standard
  • 890 long tons (904 t) full
Length47 m (154 ft 2 in)
Beam10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)
Draught3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)
Propulsion2 shafts, Ruston 6RKC diesels, 3,040 bhp (2,267 kW)
Speed14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph)
Complement
  • 5 officers and 23 ratings
  • (accommodation for 36: 7 officers and 29 ratings)
Armament
NotesPennant number: M 98

History edit

This ship served in Royal Navy as HMS Helford (M2006). She was commissioned on 7 June 1985. She was assigned to the Northern Ireland Division of Royal Navy Reserve. She was withdrawn from service in 1993. In 1995, she was sold to Bangladesh.

Career edit

BNS Shaibal was commissioned in Bangladesh Navy on 27 April 1995. She is currently being used as a patrol ship.

In March 1997, she was equipped with hydro-graphic survey equipments to serve as a survey vessel although mine countermeasure capability was retained.

Armament edit

The ship carries one Bofors 40 mm Mark III gun which can be used in both anti-surface and anti-air role. She also carries two L44A1 7.62 mm general purpose machine guns.[1]

See also edit

Citations edit

  1. ^ Saunders, p. 49

Bibliography edit

  • Saunders, Stephen, ed. (2004). Jane's Fighting Ships 2004–2005. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-2623-1.