British Nuclear Submarine HMS Anson Forced to Wait Off Perth Coast Amid Rottnest Channel Swim
Exclusive report reveals that a British nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Anson, is experiencing an unexpected delay off the Western Australian coast, with its scheduled arrival in Perth postponed due to the annual Rottnest Channel Swim. The West Australian has learned that the 100 Royal Navy submariners aboard HMS Anson had anticipated docking at HMAS Stirling naval base after a nearly six-week undersea voyage from the United Kingdom, but infrastructure set up for the iconic swim event on Saturday is preventing the submarine from transiting through the channel leading into the base.
Frustration and Delays for Crew and Military Operations
Officials familiar with the planning for this month's visit by the Astute-class submarine have confirmed the delay, citing that the Rottnest Swim's setup is obstructing the UK vessel's path. A military figure, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration, noting that HMS Anson's crew has already faced several diversions and delays during its journey toward Western Australia. The Defence Department and Australian Submarine Agency have declined to comment on the new arrival date, but sources indicate that HMS Anson is now expected to dock at HMAS Stirling on Sunday, pending further developments.
Weather Concerns Add to Uncertainty for Rottnest Swim
Meanwhile, organizers of the Rottnest Channel Swim have raised concerns that this weekend's event could be delayed or even cancelled due to unpredictable weather forecasts for Saturday. Individual skippers of the support boats have been advised to carefully consider weather advice before setting out early on Saturday morning, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. This potential disruption highlights the broader challenges of coordinating large-scale events with military operations in the region.
AUKUS Implications and Strategic Significance
In early February, British High Commissioner Dame Sarah MacIntosh revealed details of HMS Anson's impending arrival at a private AUKUS event at Parliament House, describing it as part of "planned sustainment and maintenance" during its month-long stay. She emphasized that this visit represents another step in Australia's AUKUS optimal pathway toward acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, which includes operating US Virginia-class boats and developing a new fleet with the UK called SSN-AUKUS. Dame MacIntosh also highlighted the Submarine Rotational Force-West, set to begin next year in Perth, and the new Henderson Defence Precinct as beneficial for all three AUKUS nations, enhancing national and shared resilience.
Background and Journey of HMS Anson
HMS Anson, commissioned in 2022, was photographed departing from a British naval base in Gibraltar in late January en route to Western Australia. This delay underscores the logistical hurdles involved in international naval deployments and their intersection with civilian events. The situation serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between military readiness and community activities in coastal regions.
