University of Bolton to honour return of HMS Ambuscade

A special event will celebrate the former Royal Navy ship, HMS Ambuscade, which served in the Falklands War.

The ship was part of the fleet until 1993 when it was sold to the Pakistan Navy and renamed PNS Tariq.

Twenty years ago, it was used to rescue 377 tourists in the Maldives during the Indian Ocean tsunami.

HMS Ambuscade was built in Glasgow in 1975 and was part of the Navy's fleet until 1993 when it was sold to the Pakistan Navy (Image: Supplied)

The event, called the 'Naval Nexus Event', will take place on December 9, and will have Dr Muhammad Anwar, the first captain to bring HMS Ambuscade to the UK, as the keynote speaker.

He will talk about the ship's 'fascinating story and its connection to British and international naval heritage'.

A deal was recently signed by Glaswegian businessman David O’Neill to bring the vessel back to Scotland as a free donation from Pakistan to the UK.

The ship could potentially be turned into a 'floating museum.'

Dr Muhammad Anwar, the first captain to bring HMS Ambuscade to the UK, will be keynote speaker for the University’s ‘Naval Nexus Event’ (Image: Supplied)

Professor George E Holmes, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: "David wants to highlight the friendship between ourselves and Pakistan, to celebrate the return of this warship and promote community cohesion.

"We are helping him to engage with the diverse community by hosting this fantastic event."

The event, in the University’s main lecture theatre in Senate House on Monday 9 December, will start at 6pm and run until 8.20pm and refreshments are provided.

Other speakers will include Professor Paul Hollins, Professor of Cultural Research Development at the University of Bolton, Greater Manchester; Dr Mark Brocklehurst, ex-Royal Navy and managing director of the Sharples Group; Mr Stewart Jones and Professor Hanslot.

The event will start at 6 pm and finish at 8.20 pm.

Refreshments will be provided.