Royal Navy sailors fall ill after drinking contaminated water on HMS Portland
A number of Royal Navy sailors have fallen ill after drinking contaminated water on HMS Portland.
The frigate diverted to Portsmouth Naval Base today “as a precautionary measure” due to an issue resulting from one of the warship’s fresh water systems.
An investigation has been launched, with safeguarding measures put in place.
According to reports, a sailor had initially noticed something was wrong and flagged it to superiors – but it’s not clear how many personnel are sick.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed the contamination to the Mirror.
However, they added reports of sailors being rushed to hospital are not true and he understands those affected will be treated on board.
Have you been affected by this issue? Let us know at [email protected]
(
PA)
An official Royal Navy statement said: “We can confirm that HMS PORTLAND has returned to HMNB Portsmouth as a precautionary measure, following an issue with one of the ship’s fresh water systems.
“The health and safety of our personnel is of the utmost importance and we are taking a number of measures to safeguard the ship’s company whilst the issue is investigated.”
A source had told the Daily Mail sailors were being rushed to Queen Alexander Hospital in Portsmouth.
The source said: “The situation is quite serious. The ship has done everything they should do. They found out about it this morning and came alongside in Portsmouth.
“They have got scientists on board investigating. The water has been contaminated by something. A number of personnel have been taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital for treatment.”
HMS Portland departed from port on January 7.