A former Royal Navy submariner has alleged the existence of a “rape list” on board their vessel, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
The Daily Mail published allegations of drug use and serious misconduct aboard the HMS Vanguard, a nuclear submarine, based on a whistleblower’s testimony. The former crew member detailed incidents involving multiple sailors.
The whistleblower claimed that some sailors engaged in group sexual assaults while on duty, describing the situation as chaotic and out of control.
“There was a rape list on my submarine, including a 19-year-old who was terrified after discovering his name on it. He feared being assaulted by multiple people,” the whistleblower stated.
HMS Vanguard, one of four Vanguard-class submarines carrying Trident ballistic missiles, operates under strict security protocols. Any breach of these protocols poses a considerable national security risk.
A Royal Navy spokesperson responded to the allegations, stating, “We do not comment on individual cases, especially if it might compromise an ongoing investigation.”
While HMS Vanguard’s operations are heavily regulated, and crew members undergo extensive training and vetting, the whistleblower’s account indicates potential failures in maintaining discipline.
The Telegraph previously reported that over 15,000 British soldiers left the army between November 2023 and October 2024, despite a government-initiated pay increase. During the same period, approximately 12,000 personnel were recruited, resulting in a significant net loss.