Royal Navy Sailor Arrested Over Fake Bomb Threat on Nuclear Submarine

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A Royal Navy sailor has been taken into custody after making a false bomb threat concerning a nuclear-armed submarine, leading to an emergency response at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, also known as Faslane, in Scotland. The incident, which took place on Friday, 12 July 2025, prompted swift evacuation measures and the deployment of military police and bomb disposal experts as a safety precaution. No device was found, and officials later confirmed the alert was a hoax.

Reports indicate that the sailor, a crew member of one of the United Kingdom’s Vanguard-class submarines equipped with Trident nuclear missiles, issued the threat while the submarine was moored at the base. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that an individual is in custody and that the Royal Navy Police are carrying out a thorough investigation. While there is no evidence to suggest a terrorist motive, the incident is being taken extremely seriously due to the critical sensitivity of the UK’s nuclear deterrent system. While there is no suggestion of terrorism, the hoax is being taken seriously due to the sensitive nature of the submarine involved.

A Royal Navy spokesperson stated: “We can confirm an incident took place at HM Naval Base Clyde. The Royal Navy and civilian emergency services responded in line with routine procedures. There was no danger to the public, and operations at the base have since returned to normal.” The MoD did not release the name of the sailor or further details pending the outcome of the investigation.

His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, commonly referred to as Faslane, serves as the base for the United Kingdom’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent and is home to the Vanguard-class submarines, which carry Trident II D5 nuclear missiles. Given the strategic importance of the site, any security alert triggers a rapid and coordinated response.

Although the bomb threat was unfounded, the disruption caused was significant. The incident is likely to prompt a review of the Royal Navy’s internal security measures, including communication systems and protocols for reporting potential threats. It also raises questions about individual conduct and mental fitness among personnel serving in high-security roles.

This arrest comes at a time when the armed forces are under increasing scrutiny regarding recruitment standards, retention challenges, and the pressures faced by service members. While the hoax did not result in harm, it highlights the importance of maintaining strict discipline and high standards of professionalism across all ranks, especially when dealing with the nation’s most sensitive military assets.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further action will depend on the outcome of military and legal proceedings.