19 January 2024 , 20:53
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A multi-million pound Royal Navy warship backed into another hi-tech British combat vessel yesterday whilst on crucial mine-hunting duties in the Middle East.
The older Royal Navy ship HMS Chiddingfold was filmed smashing into HMS Bangor whilst on a long-term mission serving in the Gulf. The incident happened in Bahrain. Sources said no members of the crew were injured in the embarrassing maritime pile-up, but both vessels are being examined for damage.
A top-level navy investigation into the mishap - which may be very costly - and how it could have happened with two such sensitive ships has been launched.
A Royal Navy spokesperson told the Mirror: “We are aware of an incident concerning two Minehunters alongside in Bahrain. There are no casualties as a result of this incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”
Both ships are in the Gulf as part of Operation KIPION; the UK’s long-standing presence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean. The UK mission is based in Bahrain.
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The Royal Navy bungle comes as Britain becomes increasingly embroiled in the high-seas struggle against the growing threat from Iranian-backed attacks. Tehran-supported Yemeni Houthis have been firing missiles at high-seas shipping in the Red sea and destroyer HMS Diamond had backed the US Navy in shooting down missiles.
HMS Chiddingfold was filmed smashing into HMS Bangor (Mirror)The Type 45 Daring Class warship HMS Diamond has been heavily engaged in defending against the threat from Tehran. HMS Chiddingfold is usually based in Porstmouth and is a Hunter Class Minehunter, which launched in 1983. HMS Bangor is also a Minehunter but is a Sandown Class Mine Hunter which is usually based in Faslane, Scotland.
Bangor also has highly-specialised “mine warfare” Navy specialist divers on board, whose job it is to clear underwater mines, should they be discovered. It specialises, according to Navy sources, in keeping trade routes clear of threats - which is why both vessels are in Bahrain. It is not known how long, if at all, the crews will be out of commission for repairs.