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Retired officer reveals nuclear submarine near-disaster

A RETIRED naval officer has revealed a near-catastrophe on a nuclear submarine which threatened the lives of its crew three years ago.

Devonport-based HMS Turbulent was operating off the United Arab Emirates when its air-conditioning plant malfunctioned, sending temperatures in the vessel soaring.

The submarine’s former commander Ryan Ramsey said crew members collapsed from heat exhaustion, and operational systems began to break down. Equipment was too hot to touch.

The submarine was on the surface at the time.

The commander decided the submarine should dive to bring the temperature down and the plan worked.

But there were 26 casualties among the crew.

The air-conditioning failure was found to be caused by crustaceans blocking pipes.

The incident was never publicised.

Commander Ryan says he broke his silence because he wished to highlight how “incredible” the submarine service is.

The Defence Ministry has so far made no comment.

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