Perhaps it was 'playing games' shadowing a vessel by using the tactic of getting right under the stern of a vessel so that both vessels would appear as one to any enemy sonar? The only problem with this tactic is if the above vessel slows or stops suddenly - known as a 'crazy ivan' in Cold War days

Jan C, Swansea, Wales

The Royal Navy needs to get a grip, or it will be the co author of its own demise, Watch the latest fly on the wall docu' on C5, contrast the canapés and cocktails (RN) with relentless flight ops and drill, on an American carrier, (Discovery Channel), RN is Short of leadership and valuable practice

Jim, Nottingham, UK

The assumption that the rock was charted maybe misplaced. The majority of the seabed is not surveyed to 100% accuracy, even around the UK. It is only the last 30 years or so that sidescan sonar has come into wide use and most of surveys still have data from leadline soundings in Nelson's time.

Mike, La Spezia,

Lets have a defense budge more in line with our neighbors - not have ministers (of any which party) waltzing the international stage as though the UK was a super power - Its poorer than Italy! What a laugh!

John, Melbourne, UK

Orgies on Illustrious, the Norfolk collides with a rock off Ausralia, Iran captures our sailors, nuke sub hits rock in red sea........Nelson would be turning in his grave. With more admirals than ships you'd think they could get the training right!
Pitiful!

Dudley Holley, thorpe bay, UK

Left hand down a bit.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

I am sure it was Superb that hit Ireland a few years ago. Maybe it was the Swiftsure or Sceptre, can't recall. Fact remains, these collisions are more frequent than the MoD wishes to be known. And besides, the Superb is 33 years old, something has to give sooner or later. Who'd be a sun dodger!

Jennifer Hynes, Plymouth, England

I have to say it must be very difficult to see where you are going if you do not have any windows on your boat... So, you can't really blame the poor chap... and "tom, tom" isn't all that it is cracked up to be. Give the guy a break..

Paul, Fareham,

Blaine, whilst what you say is correct most modern submarine have short range ultra high frequency used for hunting mines, operating under ice, and can be used for avoiding other naturally occuring hazards. Assuming this was even available, human error is usually behind these kind of problems.

Andew, Abu Dhabi,

They should rename it HMS Troutbridge. Did someone say left hand down a bit??

Robyn, Rochester, England

Sonar!! What sonar????
This Labour government doesn't believe in equipping the Armed Forces with necessary equipment!
If anyone has to go then it's the Defence Minister.
Sorry, I forgot....all Labour Ministers are blameless!!

Louis Blanc, Liverpool, UK

Active sonar, that pinging sound in sub movies, detects objects while advertising your exact location to any other sub or ship that may be using passive sonar, basically electronically enhanced listening. Subs with passive won the cold war & sometimes hit quiet things... like rocks.

Blaine, Fulton, Missouri, USA

Our thoughts are with those onboard, I hope they are safely taken off this ship today. I'm pleased no one is injured, by can't understand how this rock jumped out in front of it! I'm pleased The Times has chosen not to name any crew members, unlike other newspapers!

RayB , Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Broken sonar.Would that be the bit that detects obstructions such as the sea bed and rocks?Hardley seems worth repairing.HMS Superb indeed.Soon to be renamed HMS NuLABOUR.

JohnP, Newcastle, UK

I hope they don't rattle the poor Captain's nuts too bad. After all, he was between a rock and a wet place!

(Please tell the MOD that Garth Rex says to go easy on him!) ! ! !

Garth Rex, Glendale Heights, USA