Divers check brand new £1.2bn nuclear submarine for damage

By David Wilkes and Steven Henry

An advanced nuclear submarine, described as the stealthiest ever built and packed with state of the art navigation equipment, will be checked for damage today after running aground.

The £1.2billion HMS Astute's rudder got stuck in mud and shingle off the Isle of Skye after venturing into the entrance of a shallow bay to take crew aboard.

The Royal Navy super-sub's rudder was left high and dry, languishing under the bemused gaze of locals as red-faced top brass waited anxiously for the tide to rise so she could be freed.

Earlier yesterday, a tourist boat even began running trips out to see her as crowds gathered to marvel at the hi-tech wonder.

Finally, at around 6.30pm last night, it was towed into deep water after being freed by the rising waters. Today it will be attached to a buoy or stay in deeper seas if that is more appropriate as experts conduct their survey.

The checks will determine whether the sub can return to Faslane naval base on the Clyde under her own power or if the vessel requires assistance.

The Ministry of Defence has stressed there was no likelihood of a nuclear reactor leak and no risk to the public.

But the extent of the damage to Astute, which ran aground at 8am as she turned at the entrance to Loch Alsh after the personnel transfer, is not yet clear.

There will be greater fears due to speculation that a Russian nuclear submarine is lurking off the coast of Britain and was thought to be tracking a Navy vessel.

It is even more embarrassing for the Government because it comes only days after David Cameron announced the Nimrod anti-submarine jets are being grounded.

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