Crippled sub towed to Scotland
2004-10-08 20:17
Montreal - The British-built Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi, crippled since a fire at sea that killed one of its crew, is under tow and is expected in Faslane, Scotland, early next week, Canadian naval commander Tyrone Pile said on Friday.
Pile told a press conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, however that difficult weather conditions could further delay its arrival.
The Chicoutimi, the last of four refitted submarines that Canada has bought from Britain, left Scotland last weekend, heading to Halifax on its maiden voyage under the maple leaf flag.
But while it was submerged, it was stricken by an apparent electrical fire off northwest Ireland on Tuesday, with nine of its 57 crew suffering smoke inhalation.
Three of the injured sailors were airlifted on Wednesday to Sligo, northwest Ireland, where one died. A second was moved into intensive care on Thursday, while the third was reportedly in stable condition.