A Dutch Navy submarine is in Belfast Harbour for a rest and recreation visit over the weekend, the harbour authorities have confirmed.

The vessel was spotted by bystanders on the Carrickfergus side of Belfast Lough being escorted toward the city by two tug boats. It was later seen at the north-eastern side of the docks, near Airport Road West.

A photograph of the submarine at that location was taken by an area worker and circulated by North Down DUP councillor Jennifer Gilmour.

A Belfast Harbour Commissioners spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that there is a Dutch Navy submarine in Belfast Harbour, which is in port on R&R for the weekend.”

The Royal Netherlands Navy operates three Walrus-class submarines, all dating back to the early 1990s. The vessel does not appear on public shipping tracking websites.

The Royal Navy declined to comment on allied submarine movements or operations. A Dutch navy staff officer said operational reasons prevented releasing details on crew numbers or the vessel’s name.