A COLLISION between two Royal Navy warships in a Middle East harbour has sparked an investigation.
Footage posted on social media appeared to show HMS Chiddingfold reversing into HMS Bangor off the coast of Bahrain.
No-one was hurt but “some damage was sustained”, the Royal Navy said.
The two minehunters had been based in the Middle East to ensure the safe flow of trade through the waters.
Two Royal Navy minehunters collide in Bahrain. H.M.S. Chiddingfold managed to reverse into H.M.S. Bangor in Bahrain, ripping a huge hole in Bangor’s hull. #MineCounterMeasureVessels pic.twitter.com/MGcnvW5Bv8
— Ian Fraser (@Ian_Fraser) January 20, 2024
Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren said: “Why this happened is still to be established.
"We train our people to the highest standards and rigorously enforce machinery safety standards, but unfortunately incidents of this nature can still happen.
“I assure you that a full and thorough investigation is already under way and any changes in procedure that could prevent further incidents will be rapidly implemented.
“In the meantime the UK will continue to play a key part in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.”
It comes after it was revealed that the Royal Navy's frigate fleet could be reduced to a total of just nine hulls by 2027.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel