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The SS Atlantic Conveyor, a merchant container ship requisitioned by the British Ministry of Defence and modified to act as a "improvised aircraft carrier", approaches the rendezvous point off the coast of Ascension Island during the Falklands War; central Atlantic, early May of 1982
One Sea Harrier was kept on ‘Deck Alert 20’ in the anti shadower role to protect against the Argentine Air Force 707 reconnaissance flights with tanker support provided from Ascension for a short period should it be needed.
Atlantic Conveyor sailing South with Wessex on the rear flight deck
The Board of Enquiry stated the following;
The light was fading and sunset marked at 19.58.
Ammunition was dumped overboard but at 20.05 the fires were assessed as being uncontrollable with a high risk of spreading to the forward hold where considerable quantities of kerosene and cluster bombs were stored.
Shrapnel was reported to being seen coming through the ships sides as ammunition was exploding.
One Sea Harrier was kept on ‘Deck Alert 20’ in the anti shadower role to protect against the Argentine Air Force 707 reconnaissance flights with tanker support provided from Ascension for a short period should it be needed.
Atlantic Conveyor sailing South with Wessex on the rear flight deck
The Board of Enquiry stated the following;
Between then and 20.10, when the decision was made to abandon ship, the damage control and fire fighting continued, despite a number of systems failing. HMS Alacrity came alongside to attempt boundary cooling and RFA Sir Percival also stood off the port quarter to render assistance.
The light was fading and sunset marked at 19.58.
Ammunition was dumped overboard but at 20.05 the fires were assessed as being uncontrollable with a high risk of spreading to the forward hold where considerable quantities of kerosene and cluster bombs were stored.
Shrapnel was reported to being seen coming through the ships sides as ammunition was exploding.
