Australian Naval History on 7 July 2002

HMS NOTTINGHAM, (Type 42 destroyer), ran aground on Wolf Rock at Lord Howe Island, and suffered significant damage to her hull and electrical systems. The ship was only saved from foundering by the excellent damage control skills of her crew. RAN and RNZN clearance divers later flew to Lord Howe Island, to assist in stabilizing the vessel, before she was towed to Sydney for repairs. Eventually, the vessel was placed onboard a heavy lift ship, in Sydney, and returned to the United Kingdom for extensive repairs. Four of NOTTINGHAM’s officers, including the Commanding Officer, were court-martialled in 2003, and found guilty of various offences leading to the grounding. After extensive repairs NOTTINGHAM returned to service in July 2004.