Footage shows HMS Chiddingfold (left) colliding with HMS Bangor (right)
The Royal Navy said an investigation is underway after two British warships collided in a port in Bahrain.
A video widely circulated on social media appears to show HMS Chiddingfold heading towards HMS Bangor off the coast in the Middle East port.
The Ministry of Defense said that no one was hurt in the accident, and declined to comment on the nature of the collision while investigations continue.
The two ships form part of the long-term British presence in the Gulf.
Both are specialized minesweeping vessels, which help ensure the safe flow of trade across the waters, the Royal Navy said.
A Ministry of Defense spokesman told the BBC: “We are aware of an incident involving two mine hunters in Bahrain. There were no casualties as a result of this incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing.”
Meanwhile, Admiral Edward Algren said the cause of the collision “has not yet been determined.”
He told the PA news agency: “We train our staff to the highest standards and strictly enforce machine safety standards, but unfortunately incidents of this kind can still happen.”
Admiral Algren said a full and thorough investigation “is already underway, and any changes to procedures that could prevent further incidents will be implemented quickly.”
“In the meantime, the UK will continue to play a key role in ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in the region,” he added.
Unverified footage from the BBC showed what appeared to be a large hole in the ship's fiberglass hull after the ship crashed.
This is not the first time HMS Chiddingfold has been involved in such an incident. In 2021, HMS Penzance, a ship of the same class as HMS Bangor, was also struck off the coast of Bahrain.
HMS Bangor is due to be decommissioned next year.
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