Navy
MP Warns Of Threat To Nuclear Subs From Unexploded Bombs
Cover photo: Library image of a naval mine. Picture: Aulo Aasmaa
An MP has raised concerns about the potential dangers posed to Britain's nuclear submarines by unexploded wartime bombs in the River Clyde.
SNP MP Ronnie Cowan will meet defence minister Phillip Dunne next week to discuss his concerns.
Mr Cowan organised the meeting after a number of his Inverclyde constituents were evacuated from their homes in Gourock last year, when a sea mine was found by divers off the town.
Following the incident, he was reportedly told by the Ministry of Defence that only 20% of the bombs dropped along the UK coast had been accounted for.
Britain's nuclear submarines are based at Faslane, close to the River Clyde
World War Two bombs are regularly found, with hundreds of thousands having been dropped on Britain during the conflict.
The largest, nicknamed 'Satans', were almost 4,000lb (1,800kg).
When discovered, areas are often evacuated before the bomb is destroyed in a controlled explosion.
An MoD spokesperson said:
"The department places the safety of our nuclear fleet at the highest possible level and there are continuous attempts to ensure that any potential threats to our submarines are monitored."
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