British, French nuclear submarines collide in Atlantic

William Atkins
Monday, 16 February 2009 20:25

Science - Energy

Both submarines suffered damaged as the result of the collision.

However, injuries or casualties did not occur because of the incident.

Both governments are reporting that nuclear security or nuclear contamination did not occur because of the collision. The incident occurred when both submarines were traveling at very slow speeds while submerged in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

However, United Press International (UPI) is reporting that the possibility of a release of radioactive material is possible. Its February 16, 2009 article “Subs could have had radioactive release” states, “French and British nuclear submarines could have had a radioactive release when they collided in the Atlantic Ocean, a British naval officer suggested."

The same unidentified British officer stated in the API article, "The potential consequences are unthinkable. It's very unlikely there would have been a nuclear explosion. But a radioactive leak was a possibility. Worse, we could have lost the crew and warheads. That would have been a national disaster."

The BBC News article concluded by quoting Kate Hudson from the anti-nuclear organization Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Hudson stated the collision as "a nuclear nightmare of the highest order". [CND: "Nuclear submarine crash 'a nuclear nightmare of the highest order'"]

Its chairperson, Kate Hudson, stated, “The collision of two submarines, both with nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons onboard, could have released vast amounts of radiation and scattered scores of nuclear warheads across the seabed." [CND]

The CND states on its website:

"CND campaigns non-violently to rid the world of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and to create genuine security for future generations."

"CND opposes all nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction: their development, manufacture, testing, deployment and use or threatened use by any country."

For additional information on the history of nuclear submarines, please go to the website of the National Museum of American History entitled "Operating a Nuclear Submarine ."