The Royal Yacht Britannia
Step on board Her Majesty’s Country House at Sea
“When I saw the launch coming in, with its White Ensign fluttering in the wind, I was very happy inside and there were tears in my eyes. The Queen’s Yacht turned back for me, just for me!”
Those were the words of Yemen-born, London Bus Driver, Saleh Ali, when, in January 1986, the Scottish-built Royal Yacht Britannia undertook a daring six-day rescue mission to evacuate stranded British nationals caught up in South Yemen’s civil war.
At the time, Britannia was sailing through the Red Sea on her way to Australia, when the civil unrest flared up. Ships were urgently needed to rescue foreign nationals trapped by the fierce fighting. Britannia’s unique status, as a non-combatant Royal Navy ship, offered a diplomatic opportunity, to which the Queen gave her full backing.
Originally designed to convert into a hospital ship during times of war, Britannia had never had to fulfil this medical obligation. Now, for this unforeseen duty, there was no time for any physical interior changes. The Royal Yacht’s State Dining Room and Drawing Rooms were simply cleared of furniture in preparation for the rescue mission.
On 17th January 1986, Britannia dropped anchor off Khormakasar Beach. With a Union flag fluttering from each of her…
