Two Royal Navy warships collide off the coast of Bahrain
An inquiry is in progress following a collision between two UK warships at a Bahraini port, as reported by the Royal Navy.
A widely circulated video on social media seemed to depict HMS Chiddingfold reversing into HMS Bangor off the Middle Eastern port’s coast.
While investigations are ongoing, the Ministry of Defence, without commenting on the collision’s specifics, confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident.
Both vessels are specialized minesweepers, contributing to the UK’s longstanding presence in the Gulf and aiding in maintaining the secure passage of trade through the waters, according to the Royal Navy.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson informed the BBC, “We are aware of an incident concerning two minehunters in Bahrain.
There are no casualties as a result of this incident, and it would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”
Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren, addressing the collision’s cause, stated, “is still to be established.” He emphasized the Navy’s commitment to high training standards and strict machinery safety enforcement but acknowledged that incidents of this nature can still occur.
A comprehensive investigation is already underway, and any necessary procedural changes to prevent future incidents will be promptly implemented, Rear Adm Ahlgren added.
“In the meantime, the UK will continue to play a key part in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.”
Footage unverified by the BBC showed what seemed to be a large hole in the fiberglass hull of HMS Bangor following the crash.
It is not the first time HMS Chiddingfold has been involved in such an incident. In 2021, also off the coast of Bahrain, it struck HMS Penzance, a ship of the same class as HMS Bangor.
HMS Bangor is due to be decommissioned next year.
