A Royal Navy nuclear submarine had a close to miss after a gauge malfunctioned and left it sinking in the direction of an unsafe depth, it has been reported.
A depth gauge failed on one of many Vanguard class submarines, which have been in service for 30 years, the Solar reported.
The submarines carry around 140 crew, in addition to Trident ballistic missiles.
The vessel was making ready to go on patrol when a depth gauge malfunctioned, main crew to imagine it was degree when it was in truth nonetheless diving, in accordance with the Solar.
It was about to enter the “hazard zone” of depth that the submarine can stand up to, earlier than catastrophe was averted, the paper reported.
Engineers are stated to have noticed a second gauge and raised the alarm.
A supply advised The Solar: “It’s not the engineers’ job to regulate the sub’s depth however they noticed how deep they had been and realised one thing was incorrect.
“Technically the sub was nonetheless at a depth the place we all know it will possibly function, but when it ever has to go that deep the entire crew is piped to action-stations.
“That hadn’t occurred. The sub wasn’t alleged to be there, and it was nonetheless diving. And if it had carried on going, it doesn’t actually bear serious about.”
A submarine carrying nuclear weapons has been on patrol always since 1969 as a part of the UK’s steady at sea deterrent.
The Royal Navy has 4 Vanguard class vessels which fulfil this position on rotation.
The ageing vessels are set to get replaced by the Dreadnought class, that are at the moment being constructed, within the 2030s.
A Royal Navy spokesperson stated: “Our submarines proceed to satisfy their commitments, deploying globally on operations, defending nationwide pursuits, and protecting us and our allies secure. Whereas we don’t touch upon particular particulars relating to submarine operations, security of our personnel is at all times the very best precedence.”
