HMS Grimsby Damaged During Norwegian Operational Training

The crew of HMS Grimsby had their crisis response skills tested last night whilst taking part in operational deployment training in Norway, in conjunction with Royal Marine units.

HMS Grimsby, an HMNB Clyde based Sandown Class Mine Countermeasure Vessel, was third in the line of four ships navigating through Norwegian inshore waters, 90 miles north of Bergen on Monday night, when she struck the fjord side.

The collision occurred during a 90 degree turn to starboard. No one was hurt and the ship is now safely berthed alongside.

The incident resulted in an escape of fresh water from the ship’s systems which caused some flooding, but which was contained by the ship’s company within 30 minutes. Some damage to the ship's hull has been reported, but she was not holed.

The swift response of the crew, which is trained to deal with such incidents, was described as ‘exceptional’ by the Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Nigel May.

Grimsby was able to go alongside at Maloy in Norway to further investigate the damage to her hull and to await a survey.

An investigation has been initiated by the Royal Navy.

The ship was taking part in operational deployment training in Norway, along with Royal Marines units.

HMS Grimsby is a mine hunter. She was launched in 1998, and considered to be one of the best vessels of her type in the world.