The Royal Navy’s minehunter HMS Bangor is teetering on the edge of sinking after a horrifying collision with another warship, HMS Chiddingfold, off the coast of Bahrain.
The incident occurred during the ongoing Operation Kipion, which aims to safeguard crucial oil and trade routes in the region.
The collision was reportedly triggered by a mechanical fault on HMS Chiddingfold, causing it to unexpectedly reverse and collide with HMS Bangor.
The impact left a gaping hole in the side of the Sandown-class minehunter, nearly destroying the galley and bedrooms.
However, despite the severity of the crash, none of the 39 crew members aboard HMS Bangor were reported injured.
HMS Bangor, constructed from fibreglass instead of steel to mitigate the threat from magnetic mines, is now struggling to make its way back to port.
The unique material choice is a critical defence measure employed by the Royal Navy to enhance the vessel’s resilience against potential mine attacks.
The incident occurred in a region of strategic importance, with more than 160 large merchant ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the nearby Strait of Hormuz each day.
Operation Kipion seeks to ensure the safety of these vital maritime routes, which have been under threat from Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
The Royal Navy is actively involved in countering the actions of Houthi rebels, who have targeted shipping in the region.
The collision adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing naval operations, as efforts are now focused on preventing the HMS Bangor from sinking while addressing the operational setback.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “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 whilst investigations are ongoing.”
