Submarine issues call for help
BBC News
The submarine was sold to Canada by Britain
A major rescue effort has been launched off Ireland after a Canadian submarine asked for assistance.
The Canadian Defence Force said HMCS Chicoutimi had suffered a mechanical failure and its crew were all safe.
A Royal Air Force Nimrod from Kinloss has been diverted to the area and a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter is on its way from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire.
The submarine, which was bought from Britain, is not nuclear-powered or carrying nuclear warheads.
The request for assistance came from the vessel some 100 miles north west of Ireland.
Neil Smith, a spokesman for the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde, said that Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Wave Knight had been turned round and was on its way to the scene.
A Type 23 frigate, HMS Montrose, is being sent from Faslane, accompanied by tug boat support.
"At this moment in time we don't have the exact details," said Mr Smith.
"We are in communication with the people on board.
"We are doing everything we can to assist them, and at this moment in time my colleagues are working hard to make sure that happens as quickly as possible."
There were unconfirmed reports of a fire on board the vessel, he added.
The Chicoutimi was one of four Upholder Class submarines originally built for the Royal Navy.
Patrol submarines
The diesel-powered vessel was called HMS Upholder when it was part of the Royal Navy's fleet.
It was bought by the Canadian Navy, where it is now one of four Victoria Class long-range patrol submarines.
This is the second time in a month the Chicoutimi has been involved in a rescue at sea.
Last month, she was involved in an incident when an ocean-going tug boat accompanying it ran aground off Skye during sea trials.
Eight sailors were taken off the tug by Portree lifeboat.
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BBC News
The submarine was sold to Canada by Britain
A major rescue effort has been launched off Ireland after a Canadian submarine asked for assistance.
The Canadian Defence Force said HMCS Chicoutimi had suffered a mechanical failure and its crew were all safe.
A Royal Air Force Nimrod from Kinloss has been diverted to the area and a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter is on its way from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire.
The submarine, which was bought from Britain, is not nuclear-powered or carrying nuclear warheads.
The request for assistance came from the vessel some 100 miles north west of Ireland.
Neil Smith, a spokesman for the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde, said that Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Wave Knight had been turned round and was on its way to the scene.
A Type 23 frigate, HMS Montrose, is being sent from Faslane, accompanied by tug boat support.
"At this moment in time we don't have the exact details," said Mr Smith.
"We are in communication with the people on board.
"We are doing everything we can to assist them, and at this moment in time my colleagues are working hard to make sure that happens as quickly as possible."
There were unconfirmed reports of a fire on board the vessel, he added.
The Chicoutimi was one of four Upholder Class submarines originally built for the Royal Navy.
Patrol submarines
The diesel-powered vessel was called HMS Upholder when it was part of the Royal Navy's fleet.
It was bought by the Canadian Navy, where it is now one of four Victoria Class long-range patrol submarines.
This is the second time in a month the Chicoutimi has been involved in a rescue at sea.
Last month, she was involved in an incident when an ocean-going tug boat accompanying it ran aground off Skye during sea trials.
Eight sailors were taken off the tug by Portree lifeboat.
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
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