Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux dies during HMS Astute incident

Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux pictured with his wife Gillian
[Picture: via MOD]

A Defence Policy and Business news article

9 Apr 11

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, who died yesterday of wounds sustained when he was shot by another member of HMS Astute's crew.

Lt Cdr Molyneux, aged 36 from Wigan, was the Weapons Engineering Officer for HMS Astute.

Gillian Molyneux, Lt Cdr Molyneux's wife, said:

"Ian was utterly devoted to his family. Everything he did was for us. He was very proud to be an officer in the Royal Navy Submarine Service. He will live on in our four beautiful children."

Captain Phil Buckley, Captain of the Faslane Flotilla to which HMS ASTUTE belongs, said:

"Ian Molyneux was a thoroughly professional and competent submarine engineer and a great asset to HMS Astute and the Royal Navy's Submarine Service.

"His untimely death is a big blow to his family, who have the Flotilla's deepest sympathy. His loss will also be felt by his shipmates and across the Service. He was, simply, a good bloke.”

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord said:

"This is a very sad day for the Royal Navy and in particular the Submarine service. Our submarines are crewed by a highly professional cadre of sailors, many of whom are actively involved today in operations in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

"This incident is indeed tragic and the Royal Navy, in cooperation with the Hampshire Constabulary will investigate this incident fully.

"My personal thoughts and sympathies and those of the whole Royal Navy are with the family of Lt Cdr Molyneux, and that of the injured submariner."

(c) MoD