Royal Navy investigate submarine captain who let crew have 'lockdown party'
THE Royal Navy is investigating reports a submarine commander threw a party for his crew despite social distancing guidelines.
Social media footage has emerged of the crew of the HMS Trenchant enjoying the barbecue and party in violation of lockdown guidelines after docking for repairs in its base of Devonport, in Plymouth.
The nuclear-powered attack submarine had been at sea for months on manoeuvres.
The BBC has reported the Trenchant's captain has been sent home on leave following the party, which took place despite him having been advised lockdown regulations would make such a gathering inappropriate.
‘An investigation is underway. It would be inappropriate to comment further,’ a Royal Navy spokesman said.
Two lower-ranking seamen were disciplined for refusing to comply with an order from a senior naval base officer who told them to end the party, The Sun newspaper reported.
The news comes as the Royal Navy announced it was postponing the planned sailing of Portsmouth-based warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth to allow for the crew to undergo Covid-19 testing.