UP TO 700 Dutch sailors were due in Southampton for a weekend of shore leave with the arrival of four warships in the city's docks today.
The vessels, HNLMS Abraham Van Der Hulst, HNLMS Jakob Van Heemskerck, HNLMS Karel Doorman and HNLMS Zuider-kruis have been taking part in exercises with the Belgium and Netherlands destroyer squadron and are set to visit the city for a rest period and to replenish stores before leaving on Monday.
Over the years Southampton has become a popular port for shore leave with the Netherlands' navy.
Described as purely on a routine visit all four vessels will be berthed at 38 and 39 berths in the Eastern Docks. The ships will not be open to the public during their stay in Southampton.
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