COMMANDER Andrew Waddington from Tavistock recently returned from an 18-month deployment. On board HMS Echo, Cdr Waddington travelled 77,154 nautical miles, investigated 16 wrecks and visited ten countries. The ship, which completed surveying tasks across the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean and Mediterranean, also set a new record. Remaining at sea for 533 days, it is thought to be the longest time a modern ship has been away on her maiden voyage. HMS Echo returned from her trip with data including information from the seabed and salinity levels of the sea. The information recorded will be used to help the military and improve the safety of mariners. After a short rest, HMS Echo will be departing for her next surveying role in the waters around the UK and North Sea.
