Nuclear submarine crashes into rocks near Isle of Skye

At 8 am on Wednesday 6th November the nuclear powered submarine HMS Trafalgar crashed into rocks at Fladda Chuain, North West of the Isle of Skye close to the shore. The submarine was travelling at a depth of 50 metres and a speed of around 15 knots (18mph) at the time.

Trainee submarine commanders were being taught how to drive the submarine at the time, although it has not been made clear whether a trainee was at the helm at the time of the incident.

There was damage to the hull and the vessel returned to Faslane for an inspection and repair.

Scottish CND is calling on the Scottish Parliament to look into the risks from nuclear submarines operating in Scottish waters.

Scottish Green Party MSP Robin Harper said: "I'll be raising the issue of the safety of these nuclear powered and nuclear armed submarines in Parliament. Local authorities have a duty to take all possible steps to protect the public in the event of such accidents and the Parliament has a responsibility to ensure these emergency plans are in place and that they are as good as they can be."

"This accident raises the a huge safety issue. Submarines like Trafalgar are floating mini-nuclear power stations and there is a similar possibility of catastrophic accident involving a major release of radioacitve material into the environment."

Jane Tallents, Vice Chair of Scottish CND said:

" Having nuclear weapons and reactors floating round our shores, and the potential danger that puts us in is the price we pay for having Weapons of Mass Destruction. Have the people of Scotland ever been asked if that's OK by them ?"

The Scottish Coalition for Justice not War has expressed concern that HMS Trafalgar may have been preparing for action against. HMS Trafalgar is one of three nuclear powered submarines which are equipped with Cruise Missiles. It is very likely that one or more of these will be deployed to the Gulf in the event of any military action against Iraq.

"Scotland is a prime training ground for the military and is being used in preparations for the assault on Iraq. The recent incident with HMS Trafalgar shows the risks that the MoD are willing to run in their war exercises."

said Elinor McKenzie, chair of the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War.