Dutch submarine to make courtesy visit to Cork

ONE of the world’s most sophisticated non-nuclear submarines is visiting Cork this week.

The Dutch vessel, the HNLMS Walrus is due to dock at Horgan’s Quay on Friday evening.

The submarine is the lead vessel of four ‘Walrus-class’ submarines currently on active duty.

The Walrus has a crew of 55 and specialises in stealth missions and can remain submerged for very long periods.

It is equipped with four 21-inch torpedo tubes and 20 Honeywell torpedoes.

Other Walrus-class vessels have previously visited Cork, with the HNMLS Bruinvis coming here in 2016.

The other two submarines in the Walrus Class, the Zeeleeuw and the Dolfijn have also visited Cork in recent years.

The HNLMS Walrus entered service in 1992 and has been deployed both for naval exercises and in combat operations around the world.

It is making a courtesy visit to Cork with such visits to Cork Harbour by submarines taking place roughly every two years.