Stranded Canadian sub awaits Atlantic rescue
CTV.ca News Staff
One of Canada's troubled submarine fleet is stranded off the coast of Ireland, awaiting rescue after losing power when a fire broke out on board.
HMCS Chicoutimi, a diesel-electric patrolling sub, reported a fire in an electrical panel on Tuesday at around 11:15 AT. The fire was extinguished within minutes, but the vessel had already filled with smoke.
Briefing reporters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canadian navy Commodore Tyrone Pile said the submarine had been scheduled for an "extended running period at sea" when it encountered the problem.
"This is a small setback," the commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic said. "We're going to deal with the fire, find out what caused the problem, and get Chicoutimi over here to continue with the program."
Before that can happen, however, Pile said the now powerless sub must be rescued.
"We're taking this problem seriously, and our desire is to get that submarine and crew back to a safe port to effect repairs as soon as possible."
Britain's Royal Navy has dispatched a helicopter and a maintenance vessel to assist the stranded sub as it bobs in six-metre seas some 230 kilometres from Londonderry, Ireland. Two frigates have also been sent to the scene.
Answering reporters' questions in Ottawa, Defence Minister Bill Graham said the vessel could be waiting between 14 and 18 hours if it can't establish its own power before help arrives.
Without power, the crew is in for a rough night. The sea will knock the sub around, and there won't be any heat onboard.
"It is obviously not desirable to be without power on board," Graham conceded before sounding a more positive note. "They are a terrific crew, they're very professional, and they're managing the situation very, very well."
Although the cause of the fire and the extent of damage on board the vessel remains unclear, Graham said he has learned nine crew members suffered minor injuries.
"Nine of our personnel suffered smoke inhalation... I can assure you that is the only damage, those are the only injuries."
The outstanding questions, Graham added, will be answered in an inquiry into the incident.
The Canadian navy only recently took possession of the Chicoutimi along with three other Victoria-class submarines from the British navy.
A renaming ceremony was held just this past Saturday in Scotland, as the submarine changed its name from HMS Upholder to HMCS Chicoutimi.
As Pile explained, it was yet to undergo the "Canadianization work period" that would retrofit the vessel for full service in Canada's fleet.
The Chicoutimi was on its way to Canada and was due to arrive in Halifax harbour Oct. 18.
Another of the submarines bought at the same time, HMCS Victoria, is currently testing its torpedo system on the West Coast. A third vessel, HMCS Corner Brook, is undergoing work in Halifax. The fourth craft is HMCS Windsor.
The incident is just the latest in a string of embarrassing setbacks for the Canadian military surrounding the used subs, which Ottawa bought from Britain at a cost of $750 million.
The submarines were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but the British navy mothballed them in 1994, when they decided to go with an all-nuclear submarine force.
Canada agreed to buy the vessels in 1998 to replace three Oberon class boats. But shortly after Canada took possession, cracks were found in key valves on the subs.
Despite their record, Graham defended the decision to procure the undersea fleet.
"From every point of view these are very, very useful tools for Canada," he told reporters, dismissing suggestions they were simply substandard bargains. "These are very expensive pieces of equipment, and these were acquired at a very reasonable price."
As for the fire, Graham said it could happen to any vessel.
"This is something that our professional mariners are capable and good at managing."
Repairs and tests to certify the boats are safe to dive took longer than expected, putting the "Canadianization process" about three years behind schedule.
