On a very blustery and wet Sunday morning two Chinese warships weighed anchor in the Spithead and proceeded towards Portsmouth harbour. |
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The Chinese destroyer Shen Zhen fired a 21 gun salute whilst following astern of her escort, HMS Richmond. |
The support vessel Feng Cang made her own way into Portsmouth harbour later. |
Fort Blockhouse returned the salute with the usual 5 second interval between rounds. |
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A police launch went ahead of HMS Richmond, keeping the area clear of all craft for both warships. |
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The Queen's Harbourmaster sped out to meet Shen Zhen and then took up station on her starboard beam. |
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As Shen Zhen passed The Tower the tugs were waiting ready to assist her. |
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Both Chinese warships departed on the 3rd of October. |
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It wasn't all plain sailing. Once in harbour there were red faces all round. |
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