Posted on 10/16/2004 9:42:08 PM PDT by quidnunc
Canada is facing a huge bill for the operation to save their ill-fated submarine Chicoutimi, which was stricken by a fatal fire on board days after it was purchased from the Ministry of Defence.
British ministers have revealed that they are considering charging the Canadians a six-figure sum for the concerted effort to recover the vessel following the fire, off the coast of Ireland, which claimed a sailor’s life.
The remarkable revelation, which comes as it emerged that the Canadian Prime Minister had warned Tony Blair that the UK could be facing legal action over the wrangle, effectively shatters the public show of unity maintained by both governments in the wake of the tragedy.
The Chicoutimi, bought from the MoD as part of a £270m deal for four used diesel-electric submarines, was on its maiden voyage under the Canadian flag when it caught fire in the Atlantic almost two weeks ago. The vessel surfaced but rescue crews, including crew from HMS Montrose, struggled to reach it because of bad weather conditions.
Lieutenant Chris Saunders was airlifted to hospital in the Republic of Ireland suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. He later died.
The death of the father of two shocked politicians in Ottawa and London, and stifled escalating concerns about the deal and the seaworthiness of the Chicoutimi when it was handed over to the Canadian navy.
An inquiry into the incident is already underway, obliging many to hold their tongues until the official explanation is established. But, as the vessel undergoes extensive repairs at Faslane naval yard on the Clyde, ministers have begun to voice their concerns in public for the first time and the Chicoutimi suddenly threatens to become an international incident.
-snip-
(Excerpt) Read more at news.scotsman.com ...
Still gotta ask what made the Canadian Armed Forces think a boat no longer good enough for Brisish sailers would be good enough For Canadians.
Granted every navy gets rid of old equipment to third world countries, but for what the Canadians paid they could have gotten a NEW boat from Sweden or Germany.
I'll refrain from poking fun at this phrase out of respect for the deceased, but editor, come on.
(steely)
they never even inspected them
The Canadian military is getting gutted and the UK military won't be far behind. So who will save their behinds if... oh.. us.
If that's a Canadian six-figure sum, that's like . . . ummmm . . . $49.95 in real money.
You mis-heard.
That would be a U-boat from Germany.
Yep & The U-31(1st of the U-212 class) is widely regarded as the best D/E sub in the world,followed closely by the French Scorpene-both these variants were designed after the Gotlands & better than it(in sensors & weaponry).
WHAT! it just came out of the Used Sub Dealer's shop. Should be under warranty.
Smartass FReepers are always wreckin' my crappy little jokes.
No I didn't misread. I'm well aware it was a submarine, a USED submarine - no longer deamed suitable for the British navy. But a NEW submarine from the Swedes or Germans would have been cheaper - especially since the boat will require a total refit - AGAIN...
Oh, I think we all know who Canada expects to save their bacon when the islamaists try to take over....
Those would be saviors remember Iran, but we also rmember Iraq.
They sell crap to the gullible Canadians, the thing doesn't even make it around the block (Ireland) and now they want to charge Canada for the tow truck!!
I enjoyed it...but then, I enjoy anyone joking about Canadians.
Did you hear the one about the Newfie who ran for PM and lost? They appointed him First Sea Lord of Canada.
His first act? Buy a used sub--with the storm window and wood-burning power-plant upgrade.
Chalk another flap up to the liberals.
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