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22/10/2010
Grounded Submarine 'Not A Nuclear Incident'
Nuclear submarine HMS Astute has run aground on rocks off the western coast of Scotland.
The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident."
The Astute, one of a powerful new fleet of four subs, was commissioned at the end of the summer and described as one of the stealthiest ever built in the UK.
A MoD spokeswoman commented: "This is not a nuclear incident.
"There are no injuries to personnel and the submarine is watertight. There is no indication of any environmental impact."
It is reported that the vessel was surfaced and conducting a "personnel transfer" when its rudder became grounded.
It will be relaunched at high tide.
The 3.5 billion boat was originally launched by the Duchess of Cornwall in June 2007.
The Astute is 328ft long and weighs 7,800 tonnes, equivalent to nearly 1,000 double-decker buses.
Its Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles are capable of delivering pin-point strikes from 1,240 miles with conventional weapons.
The submarine's nuclear reactor means it will not need refuelling once in its entire 25-year life.
(BMcN/CD)
The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident."
The Astute, one of a powerful new fleet of four subs, was commissioned at the end of the summer and described as one of the stealthiest ever built in the UK.
A MoD spokeswoman commented: "This is not a nuclear incident.
"There are no injuries to personnel and the submarine is watertight. There is no indication of any environmental impact."
It is reported that the vessel was surfaced and conducting a "personnel transfer" when its rudder became grounded.
It will be relaunched at high tide.
The 3.5 billion boat was originally launched by the Duchess of Cornwall in June 2007.
The Astute is 328ft long and weighs 7,800 tonnes, equivalent to nearly 1,000 double-decker buses.
Its Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles are capable of delivering pin-point strikes from 1,240 miles with conventional weapons.
The submarine's nuclear reactor means it will not need refuelling once in its entire 25-year life.
(BMcN/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
