This is the embarrassing moment a Royal Navy minesweeper collided with another after officers were unable to stop reversing due to an apparent mechanical failure. This is the latest in a series of incidents that have left Navy chiefs red-faced in recent weeks.
In a gaffe that could jeopardize British operations in the Gulf at a crucial time, HMS Chiddingfold crossed paths with HMS Bangor, which was docked in a port in Bahrain.
The accident tore a huge hole in the fuselage, which is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. There was internal damage but no injuries.
Navy sources indicated that there was no timetable yet for the ship's return to the front.
One said: “HMS Chiddingfold got stuck in reverse.”
The accident tore a huge hole in the fuselage, which is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (picture).
Navy sources indicated that there was no timetable yet for the ship's return to the front
“It is currently believed that a malfunction occurred when she attempted to reverse.
“Unable to alter their course, the crew watched helplessly as they careened first into the aft bow of HMS Bangor.”
“Her interior was also torn apart.” “The ship will not be in use for a while.”
This is not the first time that HMS Chiddingfold has collided with a friendly ship.
NavyLookout reported that Chiddingfold met HMS Penzance and was out of action for three months for repairs.
The trade site said Hunt-class ships were difficult to maneuver in ports and were vulnerable to high wind speeds.
Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren, Commander Operations, told the Telegraph he was “aware” of the incident and “would like to emphasize that fortunately no one was injured in the collision, but some damage was caused”.
“Why this happened remains to be determined.” We train our employees to the highest standards and strictly enforce machine safety standards, but unfortunately incidents of this nature can still occur.
“I assure you that a full and thorough investigation is already underway and any procedural changes that could prevent further incidents will be implemented quickly.” In the meantime, the UK will continue to play a key role in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region play.”
Footage of the collision was shared by military site Claims Bible and has since been viewed hundreds of thousands of times online.
Bangor is one of the Royal Navy's seven Sandown-class mine countermeasure ships.
The ship plays an important role in ensuring the security of the UK and global trade routes. Pictured: Damage on board HMS Bangor after the crash
Her standard crew of 39 includes mine warfare specialists and mine clearance divers.
She is normally based at Clyde Naval Base in Faslane, Scotland, but she is also stationed long-term in the Gulf.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Bangor is equipped with SeaFox unmanned underwater vehicles that scan the seabed in search of mines.
While the ship plays an important role in ensuring the security of the UK and global trade routes, the incident is the latest in a series of embarrassments facing the Royal Navy.
Earlier this month it was revealed that a drastic shortage of sailors forced the Royal Navy to decommission two of its warships, HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll.
The warships were decommissioned so that their crews could transfer to new frigates.
The decommissioning of HMS Westminster is controversial as it underwent expensive repairs in 2017 and was only recently returned to service.
The decommissioning of the ships comes at a time when a record number of sailors, including Navy divers and engineers, are being deregistered. Many were poached by private sector companies who were able to double their wages.
According to official statistics, the Royal Navy has been the worst performing recruit in the last 12 months.
Recruit numbers fell by 22.1 per cent in the 12 months to March 2023, while those in the RAF fell by almost 17 per cent and those in the Army by almost 15 per cent.
In response to the crisis, serving Royal Marines were offered £500 to persuade friends on Civil Street to enlist.
Royal Navy chiefs have been pushed to take the unprecedented step because no one in uniform is qualified or interested in the £150,000 role
The Chiefs want a retired or part-time official to return to full-time duty and are relying on social media to find them
Recruitment is a growing problem in the Royal Navy, even among the top brass. Desperate Royal Navy chiefs turned to business social media site LinkedIn in their search for a commander for their submarines and nuclear operations.
They have been pushed to take this unprecedented step because no one in uniform is qualified or interested in the £150,000 job.
The Chiefs want a retired or part-time official to return to full-time duty and are relying on social media to find them.
Royal Navy ships have been deployed to protect international shipping lanes under attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Around 30 cargo ships and tankers were attacked.
The attacks continued despite British and US airstrikes on Houthi bases.