HMS Astute is one of the Navy’s most advanced nuclear submarines The Royal Navy’s newest and largest attack submarine HMS Astute has got into difficulty off Skye, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
An eye-witness said the sub – described as the stealthiest ever built in the UK – appeared to be grounded on rocks.
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: “This is a not a nuclear incident.
“We are responding to the incident and can confirm that there are no injuries to personnel and the submarine remains watertight.”
The spokeswoman added: “There is no indication of any environmental impact.”
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said it was alerted to the incident at about 0819 BST.
A spokesman said they were monitoring the situation.
HMS Astute is believed to have been undergoing sea trials as it is not expected to enter service until next year.
Aside from attack capabilities, it is able to sit in waters off the coast undetected, listening to mobile phone conversations or delivering the UK’s special forces where needed.
The 39,000 acoustic panels which cover its surface mask its sonar signature, meaning it can sneak up on enemy warships and submarines alike, or lurk unseen and unheard at depth.
The submarine can carry a mix of up to 38 Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise missiles, able to target enemy submarines, surface ships and land targets, while its sonar system has a range of 3,000 nautical miles.
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