Royal Navy ice patrol vessel HMS ENDURANCE A171 at Portsmouth, UK, 18 June 2014. (Nicknamed 'The Red Plum')
Built: 1990 as POLAR CIRCLE, became HMS POLAR CIRCLE 1991 and then HMS ENDURANCE 1992.
Chartered for one year from 14 Oct 1991 from Rieber Shipping, Norway and purchased outright 24 Jan 1992 - became A176. Pennant number changed Oct 1992 to commemorate her predecessor.
Commissioned: 21 Nov 1991 Complement: 126
6,100 tons 91m x 17.9m x 6.5m 14 knots
Carries 2 ice-modified Lynx HAS-3 helicopters
Dec 2008 suffered extensive flooding while operating off Chile during routine deployment. Vessel saved and arrived in Portsmouth 9 Apr 2009 aboard a heavy lift vessel.
Decision has yet to be made on her fate. Has been replaced by HMS Protector A173.