prepares to airlift the injured men
The Navy have tonight succeeded in their efforts to attach a tow to the Canadian submarine stranded off the west coast and the vessel is now en route to Scotalnd. Meanwhile a second crew member seriously injured when a fire broke out aboard the HMCS Chicoutimiis still in a critical condition in Sligo General Hospital.
Attempts to secure a tow line to the vessel finally succeeded this evening despite high winds and choppy seas. The sub will now be brought to the 240 miles to Faslane in Scotland. A Navy spokesman this evening said teh journey could take up to three days.
One sailor has died and another is in intensive care after the fire led to dense smoke spreading throughout the submarine, leaving it 140km adrift off the north west coast.
A Canadian Navy spokesman told a press conference in Nova Scotia that spirits on board were good.
He said the crew members felt "significant sorrow" at the loss of a ship mate, but added: "It was a significant accomplishment to put that fire out and do what they did, what they were trained to do. They are professional seamen and they are a very tight-knit ship's company and we are all extremely proud of them."
Lieutenant Chris Saunders, a 32-year-old married father-of-two, died in Sligo General Hospital yesterday, and a second crewmember, Master Seaman McMaster, is suffering from extensive lung damage and may have be put on a ventilator.
A third crewman, Petty Officer Lafleur, is said to be in a stable condition.
Some hydraulic and electrical power has been restored on the vessel, which was described as a "positive sign".
The blaze has triggered serious questions about the state of the submarine when it was sold, along with three others, to Canada from Britain.
Just a week ago, it was suggested Canada might sue Britain over the purchase after they had been plagued by "serious malfunctions and corrosion".
Latest reports suggested HMCS Chicoutimi'shull was so badly affected by rust it could not dive to its usual depth. The incident has led opposition parties in Canada to question the legitimacy of the sale and their navy says a full inquiry will be instigated.
Commander Andy Webb, captain of the British Navy's HMS Montrose, which is assiting the resuce effort, said that while the situation is "very serious", there in no longer a serious risk to the lives of those aboard.