SAS Protea

The SAS Protea is a survey vessel of the South African Navy, part of the Hecla-class survey vessels built for the Royal Navy. The Protea was the fifth Hecla-class vessel and was commissioned on 23 May 1972

As of 2014, Protea remains in service.

Role
The Protea is a specialist hydrographic survey vessel, although its equipment has been used in search and rescue operations using the Protea’s shallow water route survey system (SWRSS). She is the only ship in the South African Navy that is painted white, denoting that she is not a warship. Her hull is strengthened for navigation in ice and she is fitted with a transverse bow thruster unit, for increased manoeuvrability in harbour.

History
The Protea was commissioned at Scoutstoun, Glasgow and arrived in South Africa on 14 June 1972.

In 1978 the Protea took part in an international krill research project, becoming the first South African Navy vessel to round Cape Horn. She also acted as the guardship for the 1976 and 1979 Transatlantic Yacht races.

In 1981 she was involved in Operation Kerslig, a clandestine operation to attack oil facilities in Luanda, Angola.