Destroyer's radar blamed for shelling
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 'LIMITATION' in a Royal Navy destroyer's radar system led to three fishing boats almost being blown out of the water, it was revealed last night. Three live shells fired from guns on HMS Southampton came within 200 yards of fishermen.
Last night defence chiefs admitted the limitation resulted in the vessels being 'invisible' to the destroyer.
The equipment on board HMS Southampton is installed on ships throughout the Naval fleet. But an emergency safety code is to be introduced by the Navy to prevent a repeat of the shelling near Weymouth, Dorset, last June.
The findings of a top-level inquiry were revealed last night by Archie Hamilton, the Armed Forces Minister, in a letter to Ian Bruce, the MP for South Dorset.
He concluded: 'However, as all the safety procedures then in force were fully complied with, there are no grounds for taking disciplinary action against any of the personnel involved.'
Paul Whittall, of Bournemouth, skipper of Offshore Rebel, one of the fishing boats, said: 'It is commendable that they have investigated it and admitted their own inadequacy with their navigational equipment. But it would have been nice if they had written to me and apologised.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments