Investigation under way after two Navy warships collide in Middle East port

No-one was hurt but ‘some damage was sustained’ when HMS Chiddingfold collided with HMS Bangor.

HMS Chiddingfold leaving Portsmouth naval base for a three-year deployment to the Gulf (Ben Mitchell/PA) (PA Archive)

A collision between two Royal Navy warships in a Middle East harbour has sparked an investigation.

Footage posted on social media appeared to show HMS Chiddingfold reversing into HMS Bangor off the coast of Bahrain.

No-one was hurt but “some damage was sustained”, the Royal Navy said.

I assure you that a full and thorough investigation is already under way and any changes in procedure that could prevent further incidents will be rapidly implemented

Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren

The two minehunters had been based in the Middle East to ensure the safe flow of trade through the waters.

Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren said: “Why this happened is still to be established. We train our people to the highest standards and rigorously enforce machinery safety standards, but unfortunately incidents of this nature can still happen.

“I assure you that a full and thorough investigation is already under way and any changes in procedure that could prevent further incidents will be rapidly implemented.

“In the meantime the UK will continue to play a key part in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.”