An investigation is underway into the collision of nuclear-armed submarines from Britain and France in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month.

In this Oct. 25, 1992 file photo, sailors are seen aboard the HMS Vanguard, in Holy Loch, Scotland.

This incident has touched off new concerns about the safety of the world's deep sea missile fleets.

The HMS Vanguard, the oldest vessel in Britain's nuclear-armed submarine fleet, and the French Le Triompant both suffered minor damage.

Britain's most senior sailor, First Sea Lord, Admiral Jonathon Band, says the crash posed no risk to the safety of the submarines' nuclear reactors and missiles. No crew members have been reported injured.

Sir Jonathon Band, UK first sea lord admiral, said, "Two submerged strategic submarines, one French and one United Kingdom, were conducting routine patrols in the Atlantic Ocean."