SAILORS on a six-month nuclear submarine patrol were ordered to share rations because it ran so low on food.

Medics feared a “serious loss of life” on the Vanguard-class vessel which had to patrol for more than half a year owing to a shortage of workings subs, according to The Sun.

The National reported earlier this year how new images of the UK's deteriorating submarines sparked concerns they could be putting crews at risk. 

Plans to resupply at sea were scrapped for unknown reasons, so bosses reportedly asked crew members to hand in their sweets and chocolate.

Submariners searched for leftover food packets and cans, and an honesty shop in the canteen closed over fears of hoarding.

Caffeine tablets were apparently handed out by medics amid fears tiredness could lead to a mistake or loss of life.

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A former sub captain briefed on conditions aboard the vessel told the paper: “Horrific is the only word.”

A second source said: “It was miserable. If you weren’t on watch your movements were limited to conserve energy and encouraged to sleep to burn less calories.”

One of the Navy’s four Vanguard-class subs is always on patrol in case of a nuclear attack.

Originally Royal Navy policy was for the Vanguard-class submarines to spend a maximum of 80 days at sea, for the welfare of the crew. The shortage of working subs, however, has led to much longer patrols.

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HMS Vengeance set a record when she returned to HMNB Clyde in March after being away for six months and 18 days. HMS Vigilant spent 195 days on patrol before that.

The other subs are HMS Vanguard and HMS Victorious. They all carry up to 16 Trident missiles.

A Navy spokesperson said: “Every submariner receives a nutritionally balanced diet at all times.

“Robust procedures ensure crew safety at all times on missions.”