A BUNGLING Navy operator accidentally fired a torpedo at a nuclear dockyard that flew across a jetty and smashed into a fence.

Amazingly no-one was hurt when the 9ft missile, which was not armed, was blasted out of HMS Argyll while the ship was moored in Plymouth's Devonport Naval base.

4 The 247kg unarmed Sting Ray torpedo was fired out of HMS Argyll during a routine test in March 2014 (stock image) Credit: Crown Copyright

A newly-released file shows the misfire occurred after the operator attempted the test without a mandatory list of safety precautions to hand in March 2014.

The unarmed Sting Ray torpedo flew over a jetty and into a heavy duty metal fence at the high-security dockyard, which services nuclear submarines. Nobody was hurt.

The investigation found that following the information card instructions would have averted the misfire during what was meant to be simulated testing.

It concluded: “The fact that the maintainer was not in possession of the JIC led to a lapse in correct procedure which in turn culminated in the jettison of the TVT [test variant torpedo].”

4 The missile was fired from the 5,400 tonne HMS Argyll

The heavily-redacted Royal Navy report, released under the Freedom of Information Act, also found that the experienced engineer had wanted to carry out an overdue test.

It reads: “It is assessed that he seized an opportunity to conduct an overdue serial whilst the system was live and available to him.

"This may be viewed as a deviation from the intended plan.”

The document recommended changes to operating procedures to prevent a repeat, including carrying out the task at sea rather than in port.

4 The missile was accidentally fired at Plymouth's Devonport Naval Base, where nuclear submarines are serviced Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

The operator was allowed to return to work with increased supervision “in the short term to rebuild confidence in his reliability and to rebuild his self confidence”.

The report states: “The aim of this get well package is to leave him fully trusted by himself and Command, having absorbed the lessons identified by this incident and increased his experience levels in the process.

"Administrative action in the form of professional warning for reversion [demotion] is considered appropriate. In this instance disciplinary action for negligence may be appropriate, following legal advice.”

The ship’s commanding officer praised the operator’s “professional intent, initiative shown and genuine desire to be efficient and maintain the system” in the report.

4 Plymouth-based HMS Argyll is the longest-serving Type 23 frigate in the Royal Navy Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

He continued: “He is however culpable in that he failed to follow the JIC or have a copy ready to hand.”

The report also found that the damage could have been worse had the test taken place at another time.

It reads: “The ejection of the drill weapon occurred at a time when the jetty was unusually clear of vehicles, stores and personnel.

"The height of tide also resulted in the weapon clearing the quayside, guardrail stanchions and after shore supply distribution box.

“This would not have been the case for all states of tide and potentially more serious and damaging outcome could have resulted.”

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