The Royal Navy’s sailors had to ration food and shared sweets after their supplies almost ran dry during a six month mission.
As the crew split sugary snacks and scouted for leftovers, doctors predicted a “serious loss of life” due to fatigue and concentration lapses.
The submarine – one of four owned by the Navy – was instructed to control for over six months due to a shortage of working submarines but the vessel was not resupplied with rations.
Consequently, Navy leaders requested that their subordinates give up their sweets and chocolate – named “nutty” in the Navy – which was then to be divided up between those aboard.
The starving sailors hunted for leftover snacks, while the canteen shop was shut to prevent hoarding
Royal Navy
In addition, the starving sailors hunted for leftover snacks, while the canteen shop was shut to prevent hoarding.
As the sailors faced starvation, doctors reportedly handed out caffeine tablets, while sailors who were off-duty were encouraged to sleep and move as little as possible to preserve energy.
One source told The Sun: “It was miserable. If you weren’t on watch your movements were limited to conserve energy and you were encouraged to sleep to burn less calories.
“Medical staff raised concerns about a serious loss of life due to fatigue and people either not concentrating or falling asleep on critical duties.”
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The Royal Navy has said that patrols could theoretically last for years, since the vessel is able to produce breathable air and water, and eliminate excess carbon dioxide.
As a result, the only limiting factors are the sailors’ individual mental endurance in a confined space, as well as food supplies.
While previous policy took into account sailor’s mental welfare and only allowed them to spend approximately 80 days off land, a shortage of functional submarines has led to extended patrols.
Each vessel has the capacity to carry 16 Trident ballistic missiles and 12 nuclear warheads to ensure a steadfast defence for Britain.
A Royal Navy spokesperson has said the claims were “untrue” and it is understood that officials do not recognise that the team ran low on nutritious food
Royal Navy
Due to the sensitive nature of their work, it is understood that the Royal Navy cannot comment on specific details due to security implications around deterrent patrols.
However, a Royal Navy spokesperson has said the claims were “untrue” and it is understood that officials do not recognise that the team ran low on nutritious food.
Insisting that the sailors were not starving, they said: “Every submariner receives a nutritionally balanced diet at all times.”
They added that the Royal Navy has “robust practices and procedures” to ensure the crew’s safety throughout operations.