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Kate Humble: From Badgers to Submarine Hunter!
2 Apr
Summary
- Kate Humble joined a Royal Navy frigate for filming.
- The ship was sent to pursue a Russian nuclear sub.
- The mission encountered gale-force winds and a tense chase.

What began as a three-day filming assignment for Channel 5's "Warship: Life In The Royal Navy" aboard HMS Iron Duke quickly escalated for presenter Kate Humble. She joined the crew as a cook, expecting to document daily life below decks. However, the mission evolved into a demanding two-week pursuit of a Russian submarine.
This particular submarine was identified as nuclear-capable and was reportedly experiencing mechanical issues, posing a potential environmental risk if it sank in a busy shipping lane. The Royal Navy frigate was dispatched to track its movements.
The operation was further complicated by severe weather conditions, including gale-force winds from Storm Amy, creating challenging seas. Despite the demanding circumstances, Humble remained engaged, documenting the tense atmosphere and the ship's efforts to monitor the Russian vessel.
The documentary offered unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the Royal Navy, highlighting the complexities of escorting foreign ships and responding to such incidents. Humble's experience provided a unique perspective on naval operations, shifting from her usual wildlife reporting to a high-stakes maritime encounter.