The Royal Navy has slapped a major lockdown on HMS Raleigh, its top training base in Torpoint, Cornwall. The clampdown comes amid a criminal probe into alleged revenge porn involving a young female recruit’s intimate photos being shared without her consent.
Lockdown at HMS Raleigh
The scandal erupted after explicit snaps of a young recruit were reportedly circulated by her ex-partner, also a recruit who has since left the service. In response, the Navy enforced a strict ‘River City’ communication blackout – an internal protocol cutting off digital communications to stop any further spread of the images.
All recruits, some aged just 16, were ordered to hand over their phones as military police and civilian officers launched a joint investigation. A message to parents confirmed under-18s were safe but warned that the blackout could last up to 96 hours.
“We expect the highest standards from our people and have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and inappropriate behaviour. The welfare of our recruits is our number one priority,” a Royal Navy spokesperson said.
Not the First Navy Nip Slip
This isn’t the Navy’s first brush with X-rated controversy:
- 2023: Naval Airman Zac Blackman was kicked out after selling OnlyFans content filmed onboard HMS Prince of Wales, reportedly raking in £20,000 a month.
- 2021: Lieutenant Claire Jenkins was caught making pornographic videos with a partner aboard the HMS Artful nuclear submarine in Scotland.
Both scandals sparked Ministry of Defence investigations and raised serious questions over privacy and discipline in the armed forces.
Police Probe Underway
The current case at HMS Raleigh is now in civilian police hands. Only one recruit—who left before finishing training—is under investigation. There’s no evidence others were involved in sharing the images.
The Navy is scrambling to contain the damage and protect the victim’s identity and welfare.
Pressure Mounts for Reform
HMS Raleigh often hosts 16- and 17-year-old recruits straight out of school. Defence insiders say the Ministry of Defence must toughen safeguarding policies — particularly around mobile phone use and digital privacy on bases.
Support is available for victims of image-based abuse. Contact the 1 at 0345 6000 459. The Royal Navy also offers confidential welfare support to all serving personnel.
