Join our crew and become one of the 104,804 members that receive our newsletter.

Royal Navy Nuclear Sub Damaged in Collision with Commercial Vessel

Royal Navy Nuclear Sub Damaged in Collision with Commercial Vessel

Reuters
Total Views: 158
July 21, 2016

The Astute-class submarine HMS Ambush docked in a port while it is repaired after it was involved in a “glancing collision” with a merchant vessel off the coast of the peninsula of Gibraltar on Wednesday, July 21, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Nazca

ReutersLONDON, July 21 (Reuters) – A British nuclear Astute-class submarine was involved in a “glancing collision” with a merchant vessel off the coast of the peninsula of Gibraltar on Wednesday, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said.

“The submarine suffered some external damage but there is absolutely no damage to her nuclear plant and no member of the ship’s company was injured in the incident,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The submarine, HMS Ambush, was not carrying nuclear weapons as it is not part of Britain’s ballistic missile submarine fleet, a ministry spokesman said.

Britain said the collision occurred whilst the submarine was submerged and conducting a training exercise with an immediate investigation now being conducted.

“There are no safety concerns,” the Ministry of Defence said.

A British nuclear Astute-class submarine HMS Ambush (Bottom) is seen docked in a port while it is repaired after it was involved in a "glancing collision" with a merchant vessel off the coast of the peninsula of Gibraltar on Wednesday, in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, July 21, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
REUTERS/Jon Nazca

The Astute-class, which are based at Britain’s Clyde naval base in Scotland, are Britain’s largest and most powerful attack submarines.

On Monday, lawmakers voted to renew Britain’s aging nuclear weapons system, a multi billion-pound project regarded as key to maintaining the country’s status as a world power.

Opponents in some of Britain’s political parties and in the wider public have cited safety concerns as one of the reasons for not backing Trident’s renewal. (Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2016.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,804 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

Join Our Crew

Join the 104,804 members that receive our newsletter.