Embarrassing and rather bad timing. Billed as the “world’s most advanced nuclear submarine,” the recently christened HMS Astute ran aground this morning off the Isle of Skye.
Nuclear submarine runs aground
HMS Astute: world’s most advanced nuclear submarine runs aground
The grounding of the £1.2 billion Astute hunter-killer comes at the end of a dire week for the Royal Navy which has seen its carrier force halved, Harrier jump jets axed and warship force reduced by almost a quarter.
It is understood that the boat, which is first in its class, ran aground by its stern in a manoeuvre that “went slightly wrong” after it had dropped some sailors ashore in tidal waters off the Isle of Skye.
As the tide rapidly ebbed it is thought the skipper of Astute, Commander Andy Coles, decided not to power it off the obstruction as it would risk damaging the hull that carries some of the most advanced acoustic tiles that make Astute virtually undetectable beneath the seas.
The submarine, which carries a crew of 98, will now wait until later today for tug boats to pull her off when the tide comes in.
A video taken by Paul Yoxon, a wildlife biologist on the Isle of Skye, of the “stealth sub” stuck in the mud.
Most unfortunate but plays into the British Governments hands. One suspects four RN Officers can immediately leave the Service namely; Astute’s Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Navigating Officer and Watchofficer. Since a 5000 force reduction is already planned there will be no second chances, perhaps some PO’s & Ratings will join the departure. As to HMS Astute herself one can only wonder.
Good Watch.
The interesting thing, at least to me, is that the seventh submarine of the Astute class is on order and has not been cut in all the budget slashing.
Yes and the MCA’s four ETV rescue tugs have so the MCA will no longer in the towing business. Shipowners will have to arrange for tugs and pay for them. More taxpayer relief!!
Good Watch.
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