HMS Explorer - P164 (MMSI: 235009910)

The HMS Explorer is the second Archer-class patrol vessel of the Royal Navy to visit Sunderland in the last month. Built by Vosper Thornycroft in 1986, it is virtually identical to HMS Archer that visited in early February 2023. HMS Explorer currently serves as part of the Universities Royal Naval Unit (URNU) and is used to train officer cadets at sea. The recruits come from the Universities of Hull, Sheffield and Leeds. PIP #1: HMS Explorer passing Roker lighthouse.