17.08.2012
PLA Pilots Guide Olympic Ships Out of Thames
Sailing Ship Belem leaving London |
The last of the cruise ships, sailing vessels and super yachts which came for the Olympics have now been guided down the Thames from central London.
The super yacht Seanna was the last to leave her berth at West India Dock. Other vessels piloted down river by the PLA since Monday have included: the sailing ships, Belem, and Stad Amsterdam ; cruise ships the Deutschland, Caledonia Sky and Braemar; the royal yacht Dannebrog, and super yachts Deniki and Octopus.
PLA marine operations director, Peter Steen said: “This has been a big ask for our pilots to take a large number of vessels out of central London in a short period of time, while continuing their normal duties.
“In addition to the limited tidal windows available to us, we had the logistical problem of getting pilots onto their next ship in time.
“This has been a challenge for our specialist river pilots, and sea pilots who take care of the last leg to the North Sea, and I am pleased to say they were up to that challenge.”