The Irish Naval vessel, LÉ Róisín (P51), looked impressive as it made its way out of the calm waters of Blacksod Bay, Co Mayo, on Sunday, September 14th.
The beautiful mid-September weather with temperatures of 22º C in Belmullet made it perfect for viewing the patrol vessel as she headed for the North Atlantic at a rate of knots.
Onlookers watched from Blacksod pier as LÉ Róisín passed the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula in the shadow of Achill Island before making its way to the open sea.
LÉ Róisín is the lead ship of her class of offshore patrol vessels in the Irish Naval Service.
Constructed in the Appledore Shipyards in the UK for the Irish Naval Service, LÉ Róisín has powerful search and navigation radar systems and the vessel is also armed with a variety of weapons, including two 20mm Rheinmetall Rh202 cannon for anti-aircraft defence.
The vessel is mainly involved in protecting Ireland’s off-shore fisheries and its other roles include sea patrol, surveillance, and smuggling prevention.
MAYO.ME 