It is being reported that in late 2020 a Russian submarine hit the Royal Navy Frigate HMS Northumberland. The incident occurred in the Artic Sea as the HMS Northumberland tracked the submarine while filming a spot for a popular British television show, “Warship: Life at Sea”.
The Submarine reportedly inadvertently hit the ship’s sonar equipment which trails far behind it. The incident was captured by the film crew as it happened. The UK defense community says the incident was not likely intentional.
The towed array sonar, a long tube fitted with hydrophones is used for listening in the water, trails the ship by hundreds of meters. A periscope was seen and the collision occurred. A person onboard the frigate is heard saying, “What the hell was that?”.