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Mermaid class Frigate – 1973

A 2,300-ton Yarrow Type Frigate was originally ordered by President Nkrumah of Ghana, in 1964. In 1971, following agreement with the Government of Ghana, the out-standing balance of her construction costs was written off by Her Majesty's Government. She was acquired by the Royal Navy in 1972 at no cost to Defence Votes.

By 1972 a survey at H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth had been completed and has shown that the ship is, generally, in good condition. It was accordingly decided that she should be commissioned for service with the Royal Navy. She was to be named H.M.S. "Mermaid". HMS "Mermaid" had a normal refit in 1973–74 at a cost of £1036 million. The main reason behind the decision to dispose of her, which was taken last year, was the problem of supporting a ship of her unique type within the Fleet.

HMS "Mermaid" was written off by Her Majesty's Government when she was acquired after it was agreed with the Government of Ghana that they did not want the vessel. loans totalling £3,803,148 made to the Ghana Government for the construction of the frigate were converted to grant, and interest totalling £773,772 was waived.

HMS "Fittleton" sank after colliding with HMS "Mermaid" on 20th September 1976 and was subsequently raised and towed to Chatham Naval Base. In 1977 HMS Mermaid was sold.