HMCS CHICOUTIMI Fire - A Tragic Accident

News Release

MSPA NR 05-02 - May 5, 2005 HALIFAX -- The final report of the HMCS Chicoutimi board of inquiry was made public today by Vice-Admiral Bruce MacLean, the Commander of Canada’s Navy. The report provides a detailed series of recommendations respecting the fire on board the Victoria-class submarine HMCS Chicoutimi that resulted in the death of Lieutenant (Navy) Chris Saunders. In addition to releasing the board’s report, Vice-Admiral MacLean explained his action plan in response to the inquiry’s findings and recommendations that included modifications to re-insulate the relevant main power cable bulkhead penetrators across the fleet and a series of measures to improve the Victoria-class submarines. “I would like to commend the exemplary and thorough work of the Board of Inquiry in providing Canadians the answers to this tragic and unforeseen accident,” said Vice-Admiral MacLean. “We have learned from this experience and we will never forget Lt(N) Saunders.” “I fully agree with Admiral MacLean’s assessment and the Board of Inquiry’s findings that the fire onboard HMCS Chicoutimi was a tragic accident,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “On behalf of the entire Canadian Forces, I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Lt(N) Saunders for your loss. Chris was a fine and dedicated officer. To the crew of HMCS Chicoutimi, I offer my respect and admiration of your heroic efforts in saving your submarine and preventing further loss of life.” With the completion of the BOI process, Admiral MacLean has given the order to ensure all necessary measures have been satisfactorily dealt with before the operational pause is lifted. Upon satisfaction that this has been done, HMCS Victoria & Windsor could be expected to return to sea over the coming weeks. The board’s initial and supplementary reports, as well as Vice-Admiral MacLean’s and General Hillier’s assessments and the plan for implementing the board’s recommendations, are available online at www.forces.gc.ca with severances subject to the statutory limitations on the release of information prescribed by the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act. -30- For additional information on the review and approval process of the HMCS Chicoutimi Board of Inquiry contact DND’s Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353 or 996- 2354.

Search for related information by keyword

National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military Information and Communications Form descriptors

Page details

2016-12-15

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

HMCS CHICOUTIMI Fire - A Tragic Accident

News Release

Page details