January 20, 2024, 12:24 GMT
Updated 1 hour ago
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The footage appears to show HMS Chiddingfold (left) colliding with HMS Bangor (right).
The Royal Navy says an investigation is underway after two British warships collided in a port in Bahrain.
Video widely shared on social media appeared to show HMS Chiddingfold turning back into HMS Bangor off the coast of the Middle East port.
No one was injured in the incident, the Defense Ministry said, declining to comment on the nature of the collision while the investigation is ongoing.
The two ships are part of Britain's long-standing presence in the Gulf.
Both are specialist minesweeping vessels that help ensure the safe flow of trade through the waters, the Royal Navy said.
“We are aware of an incident involving two minehunters on board in Bahrain. There are no casualties as a result of this incident and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment while the investigation is ongoing,” a Ministry of Defense spokesperson told the BBC.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren said the cause of the collision “has not yet been determined.”
“We train our staff to the highest standards and strictly enforce machine safety standards, but unfortunately incidents of this nature can still occur,” he told the PA news agency.
A full and thorough investigation “is already underway,” Rear Admiral Ahlgren said, “and any procedural changes that could prevent further incidents are being implemented quickly.”
“In the meantime, the UK will continue to play a key role in ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in the region.”
Footage unconfirmed by the BBC showed what appeared to be a large hole in the fiberglass hull of HMS Bangor after the crash.
It is not the first time that HMS Chiddingfold has been involved in such an incident. In 2021, HMS Penzance, a ship of the same class as HMS Bangor, was also hit off the coast of Bahrain.
HMS Bangor is due to be decommissioned next year.