Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Naval prang dents pride of woman commander

Thursday 30 April 1998 19:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A PATROL boat controlled by a woman who broke centuries of male supremacy at sea by becoming one of the Navy's warship commanders has been involved in a collision.

Just days after Lt Sue Moore took control of HMS Dasher, it collided with another ship as it was berthing in St Peter Port, Guernsey. A Navy spokesman said the collision was minor. "From what I understand, it was a berthing incident when Dasher pulled up alongside HMS Puncher. It is a very tight manoeuvre. We are working in a dynamic environment where things like this happen. It is not all that unusual."

Lt Moore, 26, from Bath, was selected for a command post after competing against male colleagues.

The Navy spokesman said Lt Moore's 49-tonne 68ft patrol boat was not damaged in the collision although HMS Puncher suffered minor damage. He added that both ships - which are used as training vessels - were now back at sea, and no action would be taken against Lt Moore.

"When something happens the commanding officers reports it. The authorities look at it and in some cases there would be action taken. But in circumstances like this one they recognise these things happen from time to time." About 30 such incidents are reported each year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in