Royal Navy divers have destroyed a test torpedo which had been speared by the anchor of a merchant vessel.
The historic piece of machinery had been pierced by the anchor and dragged up from the 15-meter depth at which it had lain.
A Portsmouth-based Diving Unit were dispatched, and immediately evacuated the vessel’s crew – with six remaining on board to fight any fired that may have broken out.
Officer in Charge of the Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Campbell said:
“The tanker was carrying approximately 1000 tonnes of fuel or oil.
“The fuel cargo was pumped into the aftermost possible tanks to reduce the effects of any explosion, and fire hoses were charged and ready to deploy if needed.
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Source: Forces Network.