If it all goes wrong on a Royal Navy submarine – then it's time to find Nemo
The Royal Navy's nuclear submarines are a key part of the UK's defence – but what happens if everything goes wrong?
There's a team that comes in to save the day – members of the Nato Submarine Rescue Service with their trusty sub Nemo.
They provide a lifeline to any personnel on board a stricken boat.
A global response
Crewed by UK, French and Norwegian personnel, they provide a fast global response to any submarine that needs help.
But how do you rescue a crew trapped deep underwater?
Well, time is a major factor – meaning the team aims to dive within 72 hours of an alert.
Once the submarine in need of help is located, Nemo springs into action, connecting with the boat in distress and allowing crew members to get out.
Once the pilot has manoeuvred into position, a mating skirt is used to create a watertight seal – this allows the crew to climb on board Nemo and be taken to safety.
There if it's needed
Nemo can carry up to 12 people – meaning it can take a few trips to rescue an entire crew.
And that's what the team has been practising in the cold waters of Loch Long in Scotland, making sure they are prepared to answer the call if needed.
Divers are also involved in helping the effort, as well as the medics treating the crew members who are rescued.
Although the service has not been called to conduct a real-life rescue yet, knowing it's there is vital to the submariners of the Royal Navy and its Nato allies.
Argentina, Indonesia and Russia have all seen naval personnel lose their lives in submarine disasters in the last 25 years.
In fact, the alliance formed its submarine search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the Kursk incident that claimed 118 lives in 2000.
The job of the Nato Submarine Rescue Service is to make sure that doesn't happen.
And the crews deploying underwater for months on end know help is there if they ever need it.
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