HMS Protector's crew celebrates end of Antarctic mission with Hands to Bathe and banyan

The crew of HMS Protector have been enjoying warm weather as the Royal Navy's Ice Patrol Ship heads north following the completion of her Antarctic mission.  

Sailors enjoyed Hands to Bathe as they soaked up the sun while seated on paddleboards, indulging in a refreshing dip in the waters around the ship.

After clocking up 7,000 nautical miles during the ship's latest scientific and conservation expedition in the Antarctic, the crew rightfully earned a chance to unwind.

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"Another Tuesday in the office. Water 30 degrees, BBQs flashed up, paddleboards paddled, banyan rig at the ready," read HMS Protector's social media post.

A banyan refers to a relaxed period or downtime for sailors, often taking place during long voyages or while stationed in foreign ports.

It provides an opportunity for rest, recreation, and camaraderie among crew members away from their regular duties, often involving a barbecue or picnic party.

Sailors can look forward to steaks and other refreshments being served at a banyan, which tends to take place on a remote beach or other relaxing location.

The Plymouth-based ship is deployed for 330 days a year, sailing the waters of the Southern Hemisphere.

During her latest mission, HMS Proctor surveyed the Antarctic waters, encountering 74 fur seals, 26 sei whales, 161 humpback whales, 25 fin whales, 18 killer whales and a rare albino whale.

The ship also collected three tonnes of waste from the environmentally protected region which had been left over from previous missions, and aided the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, in its heritage conservation efforts