French naval vessel ALTAIR inbound for Newcastle 18/06/2014.

and also out from Newcastle for Cherbourg 20/06/2014.

ALTAIR.
One of three modified Glycine Class Mine Route Survey Craft.
Built by SOCARENAM at Boulogne-Sur-Mer and in service 15th December 1993.
304 Tons Full Load. 1 x 12.7mm mg.
Single 800 bhp Diesel fitted with a CP Prop giving a speed of 10 kts. Also fitted with a Bow thrust.
Accommodation for 24.
Can search water up to 80m deep and operate a Towed Array Sonar supported by a Dan Buoy.
The Hull is based on a Trawler and three more are operated in similar Training Roles.

A minor correction - a dan buoy is a marker used for minesweeping purposes as a reference point or to mark a safe channel. Sweeps are supported by torpedo like floats cf the large white one carried on her port quarter.