Royal Navy sailors have staged their own version of the Olympics – underwater on a nuclear deterrent submarine.Few of the athletes in Brazil will have experienced the challenge faced by the crew of HMS Vigilant (Starboard) recently when they took on a series of fitness challenges.
The limited space on board, and the need for the submarine to remain silent, meant that the events were unique to the underwater environment and brought their own particular challenges.
“The atmosphere on a submarine is enclosed and so the body is put to a different test than it would elsewhere,” said Surgeon Lieutenant Tweed, the vessel’s medical officer.
“While oxygen levels are not usually lower in a submarine than they are on land, muscles fatigue quicker because carbon dioxide tends to be higher.
“The chemical receptors in the body which stimulate breathing are driven by carbon dioxide and so it’s likely that submariners will be more breathless when exercising on a submarine.”
The boat’s Coxswain Sheekey also volunteered for a sponsored run, row, cycle and versi-climb of the height of Ben Nevis. His efforts raised £995 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
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