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Navy submarine failed to recognise trawler

Fri, 14 Oct 2016

An investigation into an incident in Manx waters involving a Royal Navy submarine found that the Navy guidance was not followed.

A trawler from Northern Ireland was fishing in the area when its gear became snagged on the submarine.

The trawler had to ditch its fishing gear to avoid being dragged underwater.

The Royal Navy were taking part in a training exercise off the Calf of Man when the incident happened.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch released its report this week, stating the Navy crew thought the trawler was a merchant vessel, and that the collision was not observed or misinterpreted by the submarine crew.

The MAIB is urging the Navy to review its training methods to avoid a similar incident in the future.

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