16 July, 2018 News stories, SDA

The majestic red hull of the RRS Sir David Attenborough glided in the River Mersey on Saturday 14 July. The launch button was pressed by the naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough and British Antarctic Survey Director Prof Dame Jane Francis. Here’s the event in video and pictures.

Some 2000 people gather for the launch of the hull of the RRS Sir David Attenborough at 12.25 precisely. Credit_BAS
(from left to right) Cammel Laird Chief Executive John Syvret watches Sir David Attenborough and BAS Director Prof Dame Jane Francis push the launch button. Credit_Simon Williams-Tully
And she’s off! The 10,000 tonne hull of the RRS Sir David Attenborough glides in to the water for the first time. Credit_BAS
She is afloat! Credit_BAS
Three tug boats ‘catch’ the hull and tow it into a wet basin for the next stage of construction. Credit_BAS