Tri-Service

AWOL Submariner Hands Himself In To Police

A Royal Navy submariner who went absent without leave (AWOL) after criticising Trident's safety procedures has handed himself in to police.

Able Seaman William McNeilly disappeared last week after posting an 18-page document online in which he made claims about the safety and security of the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent, calling it a "disaster waiting to happen".

He is now being held at a military establishment in Scotland after being arrested at Edinburgh Airport by Royal Navy Police upon his return to the UK.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr McNeilly said he was "not hiding from arrest", adding that prison would be "such a nice reward for sacrificing everything to warn the public and government".

"Unfortunately that's the world we live in. I know it's a lot to sacrifice and it is a hard road to walk down, but other people need to start coming forward," he added.

"Now I have no career, no money, no freedom, no chance of spending quality time with my family and friends. But I also have no regrets. There is no better feeling than truly serving the people."

"Finding this path wasn't hard, given the circumstances it was practically illuminating. I have faith that one day the people with the power to make a difference will understand where I'm coming from, and start working towards creating a better world."

On Monday, a post appeared on a Facebook profile apparently belonging to Mr McNeilly, which said he had "moved between countries, changed location almost every day", but now "lacks the resources to remain undetected".

"I will be handing myself into the police today," it added.

The 25-year-old, who says he is an Engineering Technician Submariner and served aboard HMS Victorious this year, detailed what he said were fire risks and leaks on board.

He also alleges that security checks, on both military personnel and contractors working on the submarines, when docked at HMS Faslane are rarely carried out and some secure areas of the base were easier to get into "than most nightclubs".

The Able Seaman says he initially raised his concerns with senior officers but after being ignored published his claims online.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said "The Royal Navy takes security and nuclear safety extremely seriously and we are fully investigating both the issue of the unauthorised release of this document and its contents."

"The naval service operates its submarine fleet under the most stringent safety regime and submarines do not go to sea unless they are completely safe to do so.. The Navy is concerned for the whereabouts and wellbeing of Able Seaman McNeilly and is working closely with civilian police to locate him.”