THE crew of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Black Rover have re-traced the footsteps of Sir Francis Drake by landing on a Costa Rican shoreline.
Drake?s Bay, which is not a frequent stop-off point for RFA vessels, in on the west side of the Osa Peninsula, along Costa Rica?s Southern Pacific coast.
The highlight of the ship?s three day visit was the first ever re-enactment of Drake?s landing with Second Officer Andy McGovarin taking the lead role and costumes provided by British Embassy staff. Local enthusiasm for the event was high with school children boarding RFA Black Rover to dress up as pirates and accompany Drake ashore. Many walked miles from outlying villages to attend the event.
Once on dry land ?Drake? read a brief speech extolling greetings from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I and requested clean water, supplies and food. He then led the children on a treasure hunt.
When Sir Francis Drake first landed on the beach 424 years ago Queen Elizabeth was in England. However, this time she was very much part of the landing crew. Played by Third Officer Suzy Thomson, the monarch graciously gave out sweets to the children waiting on the beach.
RFA Black Rover is a fleet tanker, whose role is to supply the ships of the Royal Navy with fuel, lubricants and a limited range of stores. The ship is currently supporting counter drugs operations off the coast of South America.