Menu
22/10/2010
Grounded Submarine 'Not A Nuclear Incident'
Nuclear submarine HMS Astute has run aground on rocks off the western coast of Scotland.
The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident."
The Astute, one of a powerful new fleet of four subs, was commissioned at the end of the summer and described as one of the stealthiest ever built in the UK.
A MoD spokeswoman commented: "This is not a nuclear incident.
"There are no injuries to personnel and the submarine is watertight. There is no indication of any environmental impact."
It is reported that the vessel was surfaced and conducting a "personnel transfer" when its rudder became grounded.
It will be relaunched at high tide.
The 3.5 billion boat was originally launched by the Duchess of Cornwall in June 2007.
The Astute is 328ft long and weighs 7,800 tonnes, equivalent to nearly 1,000 double-decker buses.
Its Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles are capable of delivering pin-point strikes from 1,240 miles with conventional weapons.
The submarine's nuclear reactor means it will not need refuelling once in its entire 25-year life.
(BMcN/CD)
The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident."
The Astute, one of a powerful new fleet of four subs, was commissioned at the end of the summer and described as one of the stealthiest ever built in the UK.
A MoD spokeswoman commented: "This is not a nuclear incident.
"There are no injuries to personnel and the submarine is watertight. There is no indication of any environmental impact."
It is reported that the vessel was surfaced and conducting a "personnel transfer" when its rudder became grounded.
It will be relaunched at high tide.
The 3.5 billion boat was originally launched by the Duchess of Cornwall in June 2007.
The Astute is 328ft long and weighs 7,800 tonnes, equivalent to nearly 1,000 double-decker buses.
Its Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles are capable of delivering pin-point strikes from 1,240 miles with conventional weapons.
The submarine's nuclear reactor means it will not need refuelling once in its entire 25-year life.
(BMcN/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 December 2006
PM unveils nuclear weapons plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the Commons that the UK's current Trident missile system will have to be replaced. Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Blair said that the decision to maintain the government's independent nuclear power deterrent was "fully consistent with all our international obligations".
PM unveils nuclear weapons plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the Commons that the UK's current Trident missile system will have to be replaced. Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Blair said that the decision to maintain the government's independent nuclear power deterrent was "fully consistent with all our international obligations".
21 April 2004
Sellafield set to reduce radioactive discharges
Sellafield, the British Nuclear Fuels-run power station in Cumbria, is set to cut discharges of a certain type of radioactive material by 90% – waste matter which had been pumped into the Irish Sea.
Sellafield set to reduce radioactive discharges
Sellafield, the British Nuclear Fuels-run power station in Cumbria, is set to cut discharges of a certain type of radioactive material by 90% – waste matter which had been pumped into the Irish Sea.
06 March 2014
Nuclear Submarine Gets New Core After Reactor Problems
The HMS Vanguard submarine is to be refuelled with a new nuclear core, according to Defence secretary Philip Hammond. Fixing the core will cost £120m.
Nuclear Submarine Gets New Core After Reactor Problems
The HMS Vanguard submarine is to be refuelled with a new nuclear core, according to Defence secretary Philip Hammond. Fixing the core will cost £120m.
22 March 2007
Oxygen emergency device blamed for submarine blast
An explosion onboard a nuclear submarine, which killed two British sailors, was caused by an emergency oxygen device, it has been confirmed. The incident happened early on Wednesday morning onboard the HMS Tireless, which was on exercise in the Arctic. Two members of the crew were killed.
Oxygen emergency device blamed for submarine blast
An explosion onboard a nuclear submarine, which killed two British sailors, was caused by an emergency oxygen device, it has been confirmed. The incident happened early on Wednesday morning onboard the HMS Tireless, which was on exercise in the Arctic. Two members of the crew were killed.
01 October 2007
Arrests At Faslane Demonstration Close
Police have arrested 160 people today as protestors gathered to celebrate the end of a year-long demonstration at the Trident nuclear submarine base in Faslane. Police moved in to clear the road as around 500 protestors gathered outside the gates of the Faslane Naval Base.
Arrests At Faslane Demonstration Close
Police have arrested 160 people today as protestors gathered to celebrate the end of a year-long demonstration at the Trident nuclear submarine base in Faslane. Police moved in to clear the road as around 500 protestors gathered outside the gates of the Faslane Naval Base.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
