The Rademaker Frigate of the Brazilian Navy encountered a severe setback when a fire erupted on the vessel as it navigated south of Rio de Janeiro.
Crew members acted swiftly. They fought the fire through the night. By morning, they had the situation under control.
Now, let’s look at the ship’s journey. The Rademaker set sail from Rio de Janeiro on October 16. It was heading west.
Reliable sources indicate that the ship’s Automatic Identification System, or AIS, was active.
On the morning of October 17, the ship turned back. It returned to Mocanguê Naval Base. According to AIS data, it arrived there at 12:30 UTC.
After that, no more information came out. The Brazilian Navy hasn’t released any updates.
The Rademaker has an interesting backstory. It was first a British Battleaxe-class frigate. This vessel was commissioned in 1980.
In 1997, Brazil bought it. The ship is also a survivor of the 1982 Falklands War.
What about the ship’s features? It weighs 4,400 tons and has a maximum speed of 30 knots. The ship measures 130 meters in length.
Its primary weapons are anti-submarine torpedoes and surface-to-surface missiles. In addition, it can carry up to two Lynx or Super Lynx helicopters.
In summary, the Rademaker’s crew managed a dangerous fire effectively. The vessel is back at its base, but many questions remain.
The incident underscores the risks faced by naval crews, even during peacetime.
Background
The Rademaker isn’t just any ship; it’s a symbol of maritime resilience. It’s the last of its Battleaxe class, marking the end of an era.
The class itself was first introduced by the British Navy. Battleaxe-class ships were versatile, supporting various naval operations.
This class saw active duty in several conflicts, including the Falklands War. There, they played key roles in anti-submarine and anti-air warfare.
In 1997, when Brazil acquired the Rademaker, it became part of a modernizing effort for the Brazilian Navy.
Over the years, the ship has participated in numerous exercises and missions, reinforcing Brazil’s naval capabilities.
The recent fire incident reminds us that even seasoned vessels are not immune to challenges, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and upgrades.