Nuclear submarine involved in minor collision off Gibraltar
HMS Ambush, one of Britain’s newest nuclear-powered subs, entered port in Gibraltar on Wednesday evening after being involved in a minor collision with a merchant ship earlier in the day.
The Astute-class attack submarine, which was taking part in a training exercise in waters off the Rock, was submerged at the time of the collision. It suffered slight external damage in the incident, apparently to its conning tower.
The British Ministry of Defence posted a statement from the Royal Navy on its website on Wednesday, which read as follows:
“At approximately 13.30 local time today, HMS AMBUSH, an Astute-class submarine, while submerged and conducting a training exercise was involved in a glancing collision with a merchant vessel off the coast of Gibraltar.
We are in contact with the merchant vessel and initial indications are that it has not sustained damage. 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.
An immediate investigation is being conducted.
The submarine will be entering Gibraltar later this evening for further checks.
There are no safety concerns associated with HMS AMBUSH being alongside”.source surinenglish