HMS Turbulent on fire at Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth April 1992

Nuclear Accidents and Public Protection

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ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS ON NUCLEAR SUBMARINES & SUPPORT FACILITIES

While some reports are 'official' and may have been reported  or documented in the press and various journals, others and supporting detail may have been gained from anecdotal sources and not 'officially' confirmed. Where possible, sources are identified.

DETAILS BEING RESEARCHED - DETAILS TO FOLLOW SOON

First Operational Nuclear Powered Submarine
HMS Dreadnought - decommissioned at Chatham, towed to Rosyth
Valiant Class - Hunter/Killer
HMS Valiant - decommissioned Devonport
HMS Warspite- decommissioned Devonport
HMS Churchill- decommissioned Rosyth
HMS Conqueror- decommissioned Devonport
HMS Courageous- decommissioned Devonport
Resolution Class - Ballistic, carrying Polaris Nuclear Missiles
HMS Resolution - decommissioned Rosyth
HMS Renown - decommissioned Rosyth
HMS Repulse - decommissioned Rosyth
HMS Revenge - decommissioned Rosyth
Swiftsure Class - Hunter/Killer, First Submarine Squadron based at Faslane, Scotland
HMS Swiftsure - decommissioned Rosyth
HMS Sceptre
HMS Spartan
HMS Splendid
HMS Sovereign (next to be decommissioned)
HMS Superb
Trafalgar Class - Hunter/Killer, Second Submarine Squadron based at Devonport, Plymouth
HMS Trafalgar
HMS Turbulent
HMS Tireless
HMS Torbay
HMS Trenchant
HMS Talent
HMS Triumph
Vanguard Class - Ballistic, carrying Trident 2 (D5) Nuclear Missiles
HMS Vanguard
HMS Victorious
HMS Vigilant
HMS Valiant - under construction

News Release

3rd December 1996  For immediate release

Plymouth Nuclear Accident Planning Must Be Improved

Plymouth City Council has participated with other local authorities in consultation to produce a national report calling for substantial improvements in nuclear accident planning.

The Report 'Emergency Preparedness for Major Nuclear Accidents - a Review of Responses to Consultation December 1996', has been produced by the National Steering Committee of Nuclear Free Local Authorities (available from [email protected]). It recommends that emergency procedures for public protection must be enhanced, with greater emphasis on information, monitoring, evacuation procedures, the pre-distribution of cancer blocking tablets, consultation on emergency exercises and training.

Plymouth City Council was consulted on the report because of the particular problems posed by the nuclear Submarine Refit Complex at Devonport Dockyard and the routine movement of radioactive wastes and highly radioactive spent fuel through the City.

The Steering Committee were particularly interested by Plymouth City Councils recommendation that thyroid cancer blocking Potassium Iodate Tablets should be pre-distributed to all residents within the 2 km Nuclear Emergency Planning Zone;

• "Plymouth City Council are in favour of pre-distribution within DEPZ's. Plymouth City Council has recently advised the South and West Devon Health Authority that its preferred option is the pre-distribution of stable iodine tablets to all households and properties within 2 km. of Devonport nuclear submarine berths." Emergency Preparedness for Major Nuclear Accidents - a Review of Responses to Consultation December 1996.

The Steering Committee were impressed by Plymouth City Councils embarking on a programme of public consultations aimed at;

• "broadening public knowledge, engendering greater confidence... and removing the veil of secrecy which has hitherto surrounded the subject" Peter Smith, Emergency Officer, Plymouth City Council, September 1996.

The Steering Committee also highlighted Devon County comments that ;

• "Devon and Cornwall Constabulary have started to work with emergency planning teams from both counties on the issue of self-evacuation" Emergency Preparedness for Major Nuclear Accidents - a Review of Responses to Consultation December 1996.

"The Report is a positive breakthrough in nuclear emergency planning in this country and we are absolutely delighted that Plymouth City Council is at the forefront in calling for greater public information, awareness and planning." Kevin Owen, Chairman DIG

ENDS