There were some curious goings on this morning. Around 05:45 the tugs TRADESMAN and BEAMER were observed heading up river on AIS. From transmissions on CH15 this seemed to relate to a barge operation off BAe Brough. Keen to get a decent shot of BEAMER I ventured over to Brough only to find my passage down the footpath impeded by two policeman who informed me that the footpath was closed.
BEAMER called up around 08:15 indicating that she was heading back for Grimsby so I went up on to the bridge to get a shot. TRADESMAN came by first and behind her the barge OSPREY WARRIER pushed by SHOVETTE and escorted by the BEAMER. LASHETTE brought up the rear. There was considerable police activity with two dinghies buzzing around the area. As the barge approached the bridge a police landrover stopped and Dimbleby came down on to the footpath and told me I was not allowed to photograph the barge. Despite my protestations that I only wanted to photograph the tug he was having none of it so after a somewhat animated discussion which included the words 'Police' and 'State' I pedelled off before returing later to photograph the outward REBECCA HAMMANN and ADELE. Whatever was under the tarpaulins on the barge was clearly of a very sensitive nature. I note that the PAVIS reports have the OSPREY WARRIER berth on QE15 at 10:50. Was anbody around KG and did they experience similar security aggravation? Doubtless all in our best interests, I dont think!
Cheers
Simon