In pictures: Greenpeace ship Esperanza calls in at The Port of Sunderland
Esperanza has spent the last 15 years ''fighting environmental emergencies'' for Greenpeace on the world's oceans
The largest and fastest vessel in the Greenpeace fleet, Esperanza has spent the night at The Port of Sunderland to shelter from unseasonable weather.
The ship and her crew ran into storms during a fisheries research expedition in the North Sea.
A former Soviet Navy fire-fighting vessel, Esperanza is now a ''formidable force for good'' having spent the last 15 years ''fighting environmental emergencies'' for Greenpeace on the world's oceans.
The colourful ship departed past Roker Pier and Lighthouse on Thursday just over 24 hours after arriving on Wearside to continue her environmental mission at sea.
Here is a selection of photographs which capture Esperanza as she called in for an overnight stay on the calm water of the River Wear at The Port of Sunderland.
Greenpeace ship Esperanza pictured at The Port of Sunderland where she spent the night to shelter from unseasonably bad weather in the North Sea.
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The former Russian fire-fighting vessel which is now a Greenpeace ship on the River Wear.
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A duck swimming in the water of the River Wear past the colourful Greenpeace ship Esperanza.
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Visitors take a short break from their walk to gaze at Esperanza during her visit to The Port of Sunderland.
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Esperanza pictured leaving The Port of Sunderland just over 24 hours after arriving on Wearside to continue her mission at sea for Greenpeace.
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