Daily Echo photographer Richard Crease got more than he bargained for while shooting the air festival aboard the ship RFA Argus.
The seasoned press photographer was forced to spend the night as a last-minute guest of the Royal Fleet Auxillary after his boat back to shore was cancelled.
Richard had been taking photographs on the HMS Westminster, anchored off Bournemouth Beach, as it welcomed members of the public for onboard tours.
The plan was then to transfer to the Argus, to shoot the afternoon's air festival attractions from the ship before catching a boat back to land afterwards.
But unfortunately this boat was rescheduled due to worsening sea conditions - leaving Richard stranded aboard for the night.
Excellent day on HMS Westminster and RFA Argus. Sadly all boats cancelled. Might just have to bunk onboard. #alinadayswork @bournemouthecho
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
Here's what he learned:
1. It's a great spot for taking pictures of the Night Air displays
We've never had pictures of the dusk displays from this angle. But they're REALLY pretty.
Fireworks lighting up the beach #bmthairfest pic.twitter.com/oT5i2haR6f
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
2. The RFA are excellent hosts
I find myself the guest of RFA Argus and I even get a cabin to call my own @bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/lOOjyFwQrY
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
And an office in the corner of the wardroom! @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/4L9DOclDTB
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
3. The RFA Argus is a really interesting ship. Once a container ship, she holds a 100 bed hospital complete with CAT scanner.
RFA Argus was previously a container ship called Contender Bezant, which was requisitioned for use in The Falklands war in 1982 #bmthairfest
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
She was converted to an Aviation training ship by the RFA in the late 80's and now acts as a casualty receiving ship.#bmthairfest
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
RFA Argus is fitted with a 100 bed hospital complex complete with CAT scanner. #bmthairfest
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
She does not comply with the Geneva Convention's definition of a hospital ship as she is fitted with self defence guns/decoys. #bmthairfest
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
When not operating in this role, RFA Argus provides specialist aviation training to helicopter pilots from all three services. #bmthairfest
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 29, 2014
4. You don't get much of a view from a cabin window
View from my window this morning. Looks a bit grey! Though forecast is sunny spells. @Bournemouthecho #bmthairfest pic.twitter.com/axGby9J2FY
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 30, 2014
5. But the RFA really are EXCELLENT hosts
Breakfast onboard RFA Argus. Definitely not my usual. @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/hat2wBFxLj
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 30, 2014
Heading back to shore. Many thanks to the Capt and crew of RFA Argus for the stay @Bournemouthecho #bmthairfest pic.twitter.com/iPOGR4D7BA
— Richard Crease (@RichardBmthEcho) August 30, 2014
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