Canadian Submarine crippled by On-Board Fire

[RACooper]

Basically a Canadian specific story but interesting none the less...


Submarine adrift in rough seas after fire knocks out its power
Craft's maiden voyage comes to abrupt end off Scottish coast.
Fire is just the latest in string of problems with vessels
http://www.canada.com/national/story...7-3490c572bc4d

Weather Hampers Bid to Rescue Canadian Sub
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...dian_submarine

Fire worse than first reported
One submariner in 'critical' condition
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/nation...imi041006.html

Must be an emergency for the British helicopter crew to risk the flight and evacuation in those rough seas... and for the Irish to grant permission for the helicopter to land on Irish soil.

[Taualumna]

I have Global news on, and they just learned that one of the victims has now passed away.

[RACooper]

Lt.(N) Saunders passed away during the rescue operation... my condolences go out to his wife Gwen and his two sons.

[Taualumna]

The Canadian military is apparently considering compensation, but according to the news tonight, wouldn't do so until the submarine is back in Canada.

My condolences go out to the victim's family and friends.

[RACooper]

An update on the conditions of the two other sailors evacuated from the HMCS Chicoutimi

Two submarine sailors in critical condition

OTTAWA - Two sailors injured in a fire aboard the HMCS Chicoutimi are in critical but stable condition, one day after a sailor on the boat died from smoke inhalation in the blaze.

Both are being treated for smoke inhalation at the Sligo General Hospital in Ireland.
Helicopter view of the rescue.

One is in the coronary care unit and the other has been moved into intensive care. The doctors said their condition had worsened overnight and that they expected the sailors to be in hospital for "some time."

The three men were airlifted from the stricken HMCS Chicoutimi late Wednesday.

Lieut. Chris Saunders, a 32-year-old combat systems engineer from Saint John, N.B., died while being airlifted to a Northern Ireland hospital. The two other sailors were then diverted to Sligo General Hospital.

Rest of story:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...ers041007.html

Chris was a great guy and an amazing father and his loss is being deepy felt...

[DeltAlum]

First, condolences to all involved.

If what I heard on the radio this morning is true, the Canadian Navy needs to get some new negotiators to work with the British.

Four old non-nuc boats that have had lots of operational problems, one with a huge dent in the hull for $600 Million?

Did Canada need subs that badly?

[KillarneyRose]

What a terrible tragedy

[RACooper]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
First, condolences to all involved.

If what I heard on the radio this morning is true, the Canadian Navy needs to get some new negotiators to work with the British.

Four old non-nuc boats that have had lots of operational problems, one with a huge dent in the hull for $600 Million?

Did Canada need subs that badly?

Unfortunately yes Canada did need the subs badly... but unfortunately our defense budget ranks very low on governmental priorities (ie. doesn't get many votes) so Canada could only afford second-line subs... on the other hand the subs aren't really that old - built mid 80s, and mothballed in by the Brits in 93 when they switched to a all nuclear fleet. The subs are identical in design to the current nuclear subs used by the Royal Navy, except of course for D/E engines.

Here's a link to the CBC page covering a brief history of the Submarine program here in Canada:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/cd...y/cdnsubs.html

[RACooper]

An update on the situation...

Submarine rescue gets under way
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3723124.stm

Sailor who died after sub fire remembered as 'shining example' of military
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...bmarine_family

Condition of second submariner worsens
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...tory/National/

[IowaStatePhiPsi]

Originally posted by RACooper
Unfortunately yes Canada did need the subs badly...

Feel threatened by the submarine fleet at the West Edmonton Mall?

[RACooper]

Originally posted by IowaStatePhiPsi
Feel threatened by the submarine fleet at the West Edmonton Mall?

Nice use of uncalled for crass humour...

[kddani]

I heard about this and immediately kinda shut myself off from it b/c I didn't want to think about it. Avoidance, I guess

Someone that I care about very much (anyone who's heard me talk about the navy boy) is serving the US on a submarine right now in the Pacific Ocean somewhere and has been under since June. He's one of the most wonderful people I know and I couldn't bear to think of how i'd react if something like this happened to him. He's on a nuc, which I guess is safer in some ways but not in others.

God bless everyone affected by this.

[RACooper]

Well the HMCS Chicoutimi is back in port and more detailed tales of the accident are now emerging... including first-hand accounts.

Submariners tell tale of fire, fear
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...l=968793972154

Commander of describes ordeal; says Saunders was overcome with smoke
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...submarine_crew

Submarine crew back on dry land
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3725970.stm

[Peaches-n-Cream]

This is the first that I have heard of this story. It's very sad that this man lost his life.