France's Le Triomphant, a nuclear missile submarine, seen in this  undated photo released by the French Navy on Monday Feb. 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

"Worse, we could have lost the crew and warheads. That would have been a national disaster," he added.

The French Defence Ministry on Monday confirmed the collision, insisting the accident presented no risk of a radioactive leak.

Britain's Defence Ministry refused to confirm the incident, saying it was against policy to comment on submarine operations.

However, a spokesman insisted that nuclear security had not been breached.

"We can confirm that Britain's deterrent capability has remained unaffected at all times and there has been no compromise to nuclear safety," he said.

Inquiries are under way on both sides of the English Channel, The Sun reported.

Vanguard is one of four British submarines that carries the Trident nuclear missile.

Le Triomphant, which entered service in 1997, carries 16 nuclear missiles.

France's Le Triomphant, a nuclear missile submarine, is seen in this undated photo released by the French Navy Feb.16, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Editor:Yang Jie