A south coast journalist became the first regional press reporter to visit the Gulf after a temporary media lock down.

Tristan Nichols, maritime and defence correspondent for The Herald in Plymouth, spent a week on HMS Argyll which is normally based in the city.

Tristan, who has also reported from Basra and Sierra Leone, told holdthefrontpage: “I was very keen to go out there and paint a picture of what it’s like.

“They’re conducting boarding patrols and overall maritime security out there.”

He spent seven days on Argyll, visiting oil platforms and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships.

During his time in the Northern Arabian Gulf, an area he says is renowned for smuggling, he experienced every aspect of life with the marines and sailors.

He was given unrestricted access to the boat and was banned only from taking part in boarding inspections.

He was able to file exclusive reports, photographs and videos for The Herald’s website.

Tristan on the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal

Tristan said it was the first visit by a member of the regional press since March, when a media lock down was imposed following the capture of 15 British sailors.

He added: “I wanted to know what Plymouth’s servicemen felt about going out there again and patrolling these waters, knowing the international crisis that happened before.

“I found they were not afraid to do their job. They are still conducting boarding patrols in exactly the same areas where they were captured.

“Now the US Navy accompanies boarding patrols to beef up security. I felt safe and secure and the whole thing very fascinating.”

He is now looking forward to a possible return trip after being invited to go out again in April.