UK nuclear sub hits rocks in Red Sea

A British nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Superb, has hit underwater rocks in the Red Sea. The vessel, which was on a training mission, was forced to surface in the Suez Canal.

It is reported that none of the crew was hurt and the submarine remains watertight. It was operating in international waters when the accident happened.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, the nuclear reactor was unaffected but the sonar system was damaged, hampering navigation.

Investigators began an inquiry into how a submarine with sophisticated equipment could strike a rock which would have been marked on a navigation chart.

The HMS Superb has 112 crew on board. Launched in 1976, the vessel is a Swiftsure-class attack submarine.