An emergency operation is taking place after a nuclear-powered submarine collided with a tugboat at around three am this morning.
The incident, which occurred in Vandrem navel base dockyard has left two people injured.
The dockyard and naval base have been evacuated as investigations continue into the cause of the incident.
There has so far been no release of the radioactive material into the river Musse but engineers have said there is a risk surrounding the submarine itself.
Mandovia Naval Commander Simeon Gadd said, “The leak is restricted to a small area within the submarine itself. There is no danger whatsoever of a nuclear explosion but people should stay in their homes.”
The submarine was not carrying any nuclear weapons was berthed at the North end of the dockyard when the collision occurred.
Radioactive fission products are being released from the submarines nuclear reactor and will be carried downwind. One of the materials is radioactive iodine.
Mr. Gadd added, “The concentration of the materials and the radiation resulting from them decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the submarine.”
As a precaution, residents within two kilometres of the base have been issued with Potassium Iodate tablets, and are advised to take them immediately to protect against the absorption of radioactive iodine into the body.
Residence within this radius, are also advised to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. People are also asked not to collect their children from school, instead they will be looked after by the school authorises until further notice.
For further information residents of Vandrem should listen for updates on the radio or TV of visit the city council website; VandremCityCouncil.com.
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