The Royal Navy has initiated an investigation following a collision between two UK warships at a port in Bahrain, according to official statements. Social media widely shared footage appeared
to capture the moment when HMS Chiddingfold reversed into HMS Bangor off the Middle Eastern port's coast.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident but refrained from providing details about the collision's nature pending ongoing investigations. The two vessels, HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Bangor, play a crucial role in the UK's longstanding presence in the Gulf, serving as specialist minesweepers to ensure the safe passage of maritime trade.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence stated, "We are aware of an incident concerning two minehunters alongside in Bahrain. There are no casualties as a result of this incident, and it would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing."
Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren acknowledged that the cause of the collision is yet to be determined. Despite rigorous training and adherence to machinery safety standards, he noted 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, according to Rear Adm Ahlgren.
He added, "In the meantime, the UK will continue to play a key part in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region." Unverified footage circulating on social media suggested a significant hole in the fibreglass hull of HMS Bangor following the collision.
This is not the first time HMS Chiddingfold has been involved in such an incident. In 2021, off the coast of Bahrain, it collided with HMS Penzance, a ship of the same class as HMS Bangor. HMS Bangor is slated for decommissioning next year. Photo by OS2 John Bouvia, USN, Wikimedia commons.