The Ministry of Defence says it won’t comment on claims a submarine almost sank a trawler off the coast of the Isle of Man yesterday.

The Karen, from Ardglass in Northern Ireland, was off the Calf of Man on Wednesday afternoon when something snagged her nets and dragged her backwards at speeds of up to ten knots.

Her four crew and skipper Paul Murphy had to cut their nets to free the vessel, and Mr Murphy claims the boat almost capsized.

They made their way back to their home port of Ardglass, and it’s estimated the fishing boat will need ?10,000 of repairs before she can return to sea.

The Ministry of Defence says it does not comment on submarine activity.