Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:43:42-1:47:33

HMS Mermaid's unusual diplomatic design

A modified Type 61 began as Ghana's intended flagship and presidential yacht before an unusual Royal Navy and Malaysian career.

FrigatesGhana NavyHMS MermaidRoyal Malaysian Navy
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Question

What was the purpose of HMS Mermaid?

Short answer

She was originally designed as Ghana's flagship and presidential yacht, then bought by Britain and later transferred to Malaysia after a short Royal Navy career.

Notes

Mermaid was designed for Ghana with extra accommodation, dining and conference space suited to diplomatic as well as naval duties. Intended as Black Star, she was to be both flagship and presidential yacht, but the buyer did not take her. Britain later bought the completed vessel in part to support Yarrow, and she eventually served Malaysia as Hang Tuah before becoming a museum ship.