HMS Ardent (F184)
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The HMS Ardent (ID: F184) was a British frigate of the Amazon class (Type 21). It was the eighth ship of that name . She was attacked and sunk on May 22, 1982 during the Falklands War .
The Falklands War and the Downfall
The Ardent was part of the British fleet that was used to retake the Falkland Islands in April 1982.
The ship lay in Falklandsund on May 21, 1982 to assist the Royal Marines with their landing. She was attacked several times by Argentine fighter planes during the operation , but none of the bombs hit. At around 4:30 p.m., the ship was attacked by three daggers who dropped three bombs. One of the bombs destroyed the hangar and the Sea-Cat launcher. The second hit the ship in the stern without exploding, and the third bomb landed in the water. Nevertheless, the ship was still maneuverable.
About 20 minutes later, around 5 p.m., the Ardent ran into shallower water, where it was spotted by three Douglas A-4s . The ship tried another turn to port, but the Skyhawks were able to get several direct hits with twelve bombs, so that the Ardent started to burn. The crew could no longer bring the fire under control. Therefore the HMS Yarmouth went alongside and took over the crew of the Ardent . The captain, Alan West , was the last to disembark; he later received the Distinguished Service Cross .
The Ardent burned all night, with most of the ammunition exploding. Towards the morning of May 22nd, the ship had sunk to the top mast.
In the post-war period, the anti-aircraft guns and the top mast were removed by divers and used on other warships.
22 crew members died when the Ardent sank .