Nuclear submarines hit by more than 200 fires in the past 25 years

There have been 266 fires on nuclear submarines in the past 25 years, it has emerged.

There have been more than 200 fires on nuclear submarines in 25 years. Photo: REUTERS 1:28PM BST 08 Jul 2012 The incidents included 74 on ballistic missile submarines.

Three of the fires happened while the vessels were in naval bases, one of them on a ballistic missile submarine.

Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, gave the figures in response to a parliamentary question by SNP defence spokesman Angus Robertson.

Mr Robertson said the "apparent vulnerability" to fire events on these vessels raises "grave questions" for UK ministers.

He said: "Any one of these fires could have had catastrophic consequences and the frequency of these incidents raises the most serious safety concerns.

"We are not talking about a one-off incident, but a whole diary of near disasters.

"That so many of these incidents occurred on submarines that may have been nuclear armed is deeply troubling. Reports of a fire on a ballistic missiles submarine, while in port, must be addressed by the MoD - we need to know where this was?

"Beyond the obvious risk to the crew, citizens on shore, and the environment, a significant fire could severely limit the UK's ability to maintain a continuous at-sea deterrent.

It makes a mockery of any UK claims to having a credible 'independent' nuclear deterrent."

He added "Now, more than ever, the time is right to remove nuclear weapons from our waters."

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