Captain of British n-sub relieved of command

LONDON - The captain of a British nuclear-powered submarine that ran aground in Scotland has been relieved of his command, a media report said.

HMS Astute, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, was on sea trials when it got stuck near the coast of Skye Oct 22. It was marooned for several hours.

Navy officials said Commander Andy Coles had lost command of the submarine following a probe into the incident.

“Commander Coles will continue to serve in the Royal Navy and he will be re-appointed to a post where his talents and experience can be used to best effect.

“A new commanding officer will be appointed as soon as possible,” Sky News quoted a spokesman as saying.

The media report said that the nuclear-powered submarine was understood to have been damaged after a collision with the Coast Guard tug the Anglian Prince that was sent to free it.

The navy spokesman said repairs have been completed and the final cost of the repairs will be paid out of the defence ministry budget.