After the arrival of the Thames Sailing barge Will yesterday, we welcomed another arrival into West India Dock , the FS Pluvier ( P678 ).

The French navy are regular visitors to the West India Dock and the Pluvier  is a Patrol Boat of the Flamant Class.

Built by CMN in Cherbourg, the ship was launched in 1996 and commissioned in 1997.

Dimensions

Length: 54.00m

Beam: 9.80m

Draught: 2.60m Standard: 314 tons,

Full Load: 390 tons
Speed: 22.0 knots.

It usually has a ship’s company of around 20 crew.

This is quite a small ship, so it is unlikely that they will have an open day for the general public.

Although the purpose of the trip is unknown, ships often visit at this time of the year to coincide with Remembrance Day events.