Royal Navy: Grant Shapps dismisses "incompetence" claims after HMS Chiddingfold crashes into HMS Bangor

The government minister said there were no signs of "incompetence" after HMS Chiddingfold slammed into HMS Bangor off the coast of Bahrain. Shocking video footage showed the Portsmouth-based vessel heading towards the other ship at speed on Friday.

HMS Bangor was left with a hole on her side, which left the galley and bedrooms damaged. National publications including the Daily Express are reporting the minehunter was on the verge of sinking. Mr Shapps admitted something “clearly” went wrong.

He told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “Just as in aviation or many other walks of life sometimes accidents and incidents happen, there’s a full investigation under way.” When asked if the incident showed incompetence, he added: "We don’t say it’s incompetence when we see an aircraft come down, a very rare occasion just as this would be a rare occasion, it’s right to leave the investigators some time to work out exactly what’s gone wrong.

“Something clearly did and we need to see what it is.” The crash was caused by a mechanical fault on HMS Chiddingfold. Both minehunters are deployed in the Middle East as part of Operation Kipion - where crucial oil and trade routes are safeguarded. Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren OBE, Commander Operations, issued a statement on social media on the same day the crash happened.

He said: "I am aware of a recent incident that took place between two minehunters in Bahrain Harbour. First of all I would like to stress that thankfully nobody was hurt in the collision, but some damage was sustained. Why this happened is still to be established. We train our people to the highest standards and rigorously enforce machinery safety standards, but unfortunately incidents of this nature can still happen.

"I assure you that a full and thorough investigation is already under way and any changes in procedure that could prevent further incidents will be rapidly implemented. In the meantime the UK will continue to play a key part in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region."