November 2019. The Indian Ocean . Photo from the archives of A. Andreev.

Country: South Africa.
Class, [Type]: Hecla, [AG].
Homeport: Simon Tawn.

Builder: Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd, U.K.
Laid down date: 20 July 1970.
Launch date: 14 July 1971.
Commission date: 23 May 1972.

Displacement ( tons ): 2750 full load.
Dimensions ( metres ): 79,5 x 15 x 4,7.
Main machinery: Diesel-electric: 3 x MTU diesels ( 3850 hp ), 1 x motor ( 2000 hp ).
Speed ( knots ): 14.
Range ( miles ): 12000 at 11 knots.
Complement: 124 ( 10 officers ).

Guns: Fitted for 2 x 1 20mm.

Radars: Navigation: Racal Decca.
Helicopters: 1 x Alouette III.