This morning, at the port of Ponta Delgada in the Azores, the Portuguese Navy ship NRP Viana do Castelo unexpectedly fired an inert round (without explosive charge) from its 30 mm artillery piece, according to an official statement on the Navy’s website.
The incident occurred during weapon system checks as part of preparations for the ship’s departure.
A preliminary assessment by the Navy indicated some material damage to the local traffic vessel Isabel C, moored in front of the NRP Viana do Castelo.
The Navy has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
