On This Day in 1976, Minesweeper HMS FITTLETON sank following a collision with the Frigate HMS MERMAID in the North Sea. 12 men died including 10 RNReserve.

HMS Fittleton was sunk in a collision with HMS Mermaid whilst on manoeuvres in the North Sea. Twelve volunteer Royal Naval Reserve personnel lost their lives.

HMS Fittleton was a Ton class minesweeper of the Royal Navy. She was assigned to the Royal Naval Reserve and operated from HMS Sussex, but manned by members of both the Sussex division and the London division (HMS President). She was sunk in a collision with HMS Mermaid on 20 September 1976 whilst on manoeuvres in the North Sea. Twelve volunteer Royal Naval Reserve personnel lost their lives making this the worst peacetime accident involving the Royal Naval Reserve.