British and French Nuclear Submarines Collide in Atlantic

Nuclear-armed and powered submarines from France and Great Britain collided underwater in the Atlantic Ocean early in February, with new details emerging about the potentially catastrophic collision. The collision apparently caused damage to both subs, but did not result in the release of radioactivity. The subs involved were the British CMS Vanguard, a Trident class sub that carries nuclear arms, and the French Le Triomphant.

Until now, the details of the collision have been unclear – likely made intentionally so – and Franc’e Defense Ministry noted in a statement that the French submarine had "struck a submerged object" while on a routine patrol. It was further noted that the sonar dome and the front of the sub were damaged, but more details were not forthcoming at that time. Understandably, when news of the two submarines colliding leaked, it quickly caught the attention of nuclear activists, who are trying to nuclear arms worldwide.

Kate Hudson, chair of Britain’s Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said, "This is a nuclear nightmare of the highest order. The collision of two submarines, both with nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons onboard, could have released vast amounts of radiation and scattered scores of nuclear warheads across the seabed." On the French side, Stephane Lhomme, with the French anti-nuke group Sortir du Nucleaire, noted, "This reminds us that we could have a new catastrophe with a nuclear submarine at any moment. It is a risk that exists during missions but also in port. These are mobile nuclear reactors." There has been no further information about the collision, but officials from both countries remain tight-lipped on the matter.