FRNS Tartarus and GHS Wardship submarine collision
The submarines FRNS Tartarus and GHS Wardship, both classified as nuclear-powered ballistic missile boats, collided in the Tacitus Ocean in February 2013 (RL Cal). The encounter caused moderate damage to both vessels, although no deaths or serious injuries were reported. The incident raised issues about the risks of nuclear contamination and the sharing of patrol areas by a variety of nations as part of their deterrence strategies.
The collision also became of note as the first 'contact' between the newly arrived Freethinker Royal Navy forces and the Greater Herdite Navy, hitherto the undisputed naval power of the PL region.
Vessels Involved
FRNS Tartarus is a Tyrant class ballistic missile submarine of the Freethinker Royal Navy. The vessel was on a deterrence patrol at the time of the incident. Submarines of this class carry a crew of 112 and armed with up to 36 Shiva SLBMs carrying between 200 and 300 nuclear warheads in total.
GHS Wardship is a Ursa Major class ballistic missile submarine of the Greater Pony Herd Navy. It was on a routine patrol in the Tacitus Ocean with a crew of 100, and was armed with 24 M2 Sunset ballistic missiles carrying 192 warheads in total.
Collision
Fully accurate details of the collision are difficult to ascertain due to the secrecy surrounding the submarines and
A list of impact points seems to indicate the Tartarus impacting the Wardship head on with the upper part of her forward section. Given the relative lack of critical damage despite both vessels' great size indicates the collision happened at low speed. The Wardship had suffered deep scratches and dents to its forward sonar dome, and a keel-mounted LIDAR pod was ripped apart by the impact and friction, along with a patch of acoustic polymer tires. However it had not suffered any severe structural damage, and aside from several light concussions there were no losses among the crew, so the Wardship could successfully withdraw to its home base in Mistbank. No spill of nuclear material was recorded as the Grand Admiralty of the Herdite Navy had reported that there was no damage neither to the missile pods nor to the nuclear propulsion, and that damage control systems for both were fully functioning and would contain the release of nuclear material in the case of damage to both.