In the Atlantic Ocean, a Russian submarine is said to have collided with a British naval warship.

The Russian hunter-killer, which can carry nuclear-tipped torpedoes, collided with a sonar line trailed behind by HMS Northumberland.

Since the end of the Cold War, it is believed to be the first time that Russian and Royal Navy vessels have come into contact.

The British Type 23 frigate had been dispatched to look for the Russian submarine, which was believed to be approximately 200 miles north of Scotland.

For this purpose, it deployed its towed array sonar, which is a cable coated with hydrophones, to listen for sounds coming from the sub.

However, after the cable, which was as thick as a drainpipe, was “dragged over the submarine’s hull,” the crew was compelled to abandon their mission and return to port for repairs.

“It was badly chewed up and unusable,” a source said as cited by the Sun.

“The question is was it deliberate or was it an accident,” said former frigate captain Commander Tom Sharpe.

“Ship and submarine detection is not an exact science. It could have been a close pass gone wrong.”

To cut underwater internet links, Moscow has developed cable-cutting drones.

Yet a Navy source claimed that it was a “million-to-one chance event”.

“The crew of the submarine would have sh*t themselves,” he said.

“They would have heard a very sudden and unexpected noise like a fork being dragged over a cheese grater.”

He stated that it was quite likely that the Russian submarine would have been damaged as well.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stated that “the free world must rise” in response to Russia’s threats.

To invade Ukraine, Moscow has gathered 100,000 troops, tanks, and missile batteries.

“Any Russian military incursion would be a massive strategic mistake,” Truss told MPs.

“Russia is the aggressor here – we urge them to end their malign activity and stick to what they have agreed.

“The only way forward is for Russia to de-escalate and pursue a path of diplomacy.

“The free world must rise to meet this moment.”

The Russian embassy in London did not respond to requests for comment.

An MoD spokesman said: “In late 2020 a Russian submarine being tracked by HMS Northumberland came into contact with her towed array sonar.

“The Royal Navy regularly tracks foreign ships and submarines in order to ensure the defence of the United Kingdom.”

Image Credit: Getty

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