Whoops… Irish naval ship crashes into harbour pontoon

"Back her up… back her up… lock her hard… Ah, crap."

Miley Cyrus wasn't the only one enjoying a bit of bump and grind over the weekend - footage of Irish naval ship the LÉ Aoife getting down and dirty with a pontoon at Cobh has made it to YouTube..

(Abbythomas1·via YouTube)

In front of a bemused gaggle of onlookers and anglers - as well as numerous smartphone-wielding tourists - the 34-year-old vessel appears to inexplicably motor forward into the large floating pontoon.

(Jossy John· via YouTube)

A Naval Service spokeswoman told the Irish Examiner that the accident had been caused by a mechanical problem which led to the vessel propelling forwards when it should have been gone backwards.

Which kind of reminds us of this.

The LÉ Aoife sustained some minor damage to its bow in the incident.

Damage to the pontoon, used by cruise liners, was described as minimal.

The Aoife, due to be decommissioned by the end of next year, is one of two naval patrol boats in the twilight of their service.

Its sisterl ship the LÉ Emer is currently on its final tour of duty and is due to be decommissioned in the next four weeks, with two replacement ships currently under construction in the UK.

Both ships will be auctioned off after they go out of service, so if you fancy getting your other half a more unusual Christmas present, stay posted…