Nuclear sub captain relieved of command

The captain of the nuclear-powered submarine that ran aground off the coast of Scotland has been relieved of his command.

HMS Astute, the first of a new class of nuclear-powered submarines that was undergoing sea trials, became snagged on rocks off the Isle of Skye on October 22 in an embarrassing incident for the Royal Navy.

The navy had to wait for hours for high tide before tugs could tow the advanced submarine to deeper water.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said Commander Andrew Coles had been removed from his command of the submarine on Friday.

She said: "Commander Coles will continue to serve in the Royal Navy and he will be reappointed to a post where his talents and experience can be used to best effect. A new commanding officer will be appointed as soon as possible."

The submarine, commissioned into the navy in August, is nuclear-powered but does not carry nuclear weapons. Damage suffered by the submarine has now been repaired, the spokeswoman added.