From the Dorset Daily Echo 6th July 1951

From the Southern Times 6th July 1951

'Torpedoed' in Portland Harbour

 Frigate hit by torpedo

The frigate H.M.S. Veryan Bay, 1,600 tons, was involved in an unusual incident in Portland Harbour yesterday, when she was hit by a practice torpedo from the Bincleaves range.

The vessel was proceeding to her moorings at the time. The Admiralty state that the damage was not serious, and that there were no casualties.

The frigate was struck a glancing blow by the torpedo's dummy head, some of her plating being strained. She will be docked in due course for repairs and an official inquiry into the accident is expected.

The Veryan Bay with a sister ship, St Austell Bay had returned to Portland after taking part in Festival of Britain celebrations at Swanage

 A Practice torpedo fired from Bincleaves Torpedo Range hit the 4,200 ton frigate Veryan Bay as she entered Portland Harbour yesterday morning.

The frigates plating was pierced below the water line and some water was shipped.

There were no casualties.

The naval authorities at Portland told the "Southern Times" this morning that the matter had been reported to the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet.

They were awaiting his decision as to whether an inquiry would be held.

The authorities could not disclose whether the Veryan Bay which is commanded by Cdr. Crews, RN was off course and in the torpedo range danger zone, or whether the torpedo had gone astray.