Menu
22/03/2007
Oxygen emergency device blamed for submarine blast
An explosion onboard a nuclear submarine, which killed two British sailors, was caused by an emergency oxygen device, it has been confirmed.
The incident happened early on Wednesday morning onboard the HMS Tireless, which was on exercise in the Arctic.
Two members of the crew were killed. They have been named as Anthony Huntrod, 20, from Sunderland and Paul McCann, 32, from Halesowen in the West Midlands.
A third sailor was injured. He was airlifted to a US military hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.
HMS Tireless was taking part in a joint US/UK exercise and was submerged under the ice cap at the time of the incident.
A statement released by the MoD said: "At this early stage, it is thought that the accident involved a piece of air-purification equipment in the forward section of the submarine.
"The submarine was never in any danger, its nuclear reactor was unaffected, it quickly surfaced and is completely safe. Tireless is a hunter-killer submarine and does not carry nuclear missiles."
HMS Tireless was launched in 1985, but the piece of air-purification machinery thought to have failed was fitted as part of an update in 2001. The piece of equipment which malfunctioned is fitted to all Trafalgar Class submarines, the MoD said, and it has a good safety record. However, as a precaution, its use on other boats has been restricted until safety checks can be carried out. It is not essential to the safe running of the submarine.
Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, Commander-In-Chief Fleet, said: "I very much regret that this incident has occurred and my thoughts go out to the family and friends of the men who have lost their lives."
(KMcA/JM)
The incident happened early on Wednesday morning onboard the HMS Tireless, which was on exercise in the Arctic.
Two members of the crew were killed. They have been named as Anthony Huntrod, 20, from Sunderland and Paul McCann, 32, from Halesowen in the West Midlands.
A third sailor was injured. He was airlifted to a US military hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.
HMS Tireless was taking part in a joint US/UK exercise and was submerged under the ice cap at the time of the incident.
A statement released by the MoD said: "At this early stage, it is thought that the accident involved a piece of air-purification equipment in the forward section of the submarine.
"The submarine was never in any danger, its nuclear reactor was unaffected, it quickly surfaced and is completely safe. Tireless is a hunter-killer submarine and does not carry nuclear missiles."
HMS Tireless was launched in 1985, but the piece of air-purification machinery thought to have failed was fitted as part of an update in 2001. The piece of equipment which malfunctioned is fitted to all Trafalgar Class submarines, the MoD said, and it has a good safety record. However, as a precaution, its use on other boats has been restricted until safety checks can be carried out. It is not essential to the safe running of the submarine.
Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, Commander-In-Chief Fleet, said: "I very much regret that this incident has occurred and my thoughts go out to the family and friends of the men who have lost their lives."
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 October 2010
Grounded Submarine 'Not A Nuclear Incident'
Nuclear submarine HMS Astute has run aground on rocks off the western coast of Scotland. The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident.
Grounded Submarine 'Not A Nuclear Incident'
Nuclear submarine HMS Astute has run aground on rocks off the western coast of Scotland. The Ministry of Defence has played down fears ensuring no injuries were caused and that it was "not a nuclear incident.
01 October 2007
Arrests At Faslane Demonstration Close
Police have arrested 160 people today as protestors gathered to celebrate the end of a year-long demonstration at the Trident nuclear submarine base in Faslane. Police moved in to clear the road as around 500 protestors gathered outside the gates of the Faslane Naval Base.
Arrests At Faslane Demonstration Close
Police have arrested 160 people today as protestors gathered to celebrate the end of a year-long demonstration at the Trident nuclear submarine base in Faslane. Police moved in to clear the road as around 500 protestors gathered outside the gates of the Faslane Naval Base.
06 March 2014
Nuclear Submarine Gets New Core After Reactor Problems
The HMS Vanguard submarine is to be refuelled with a new nuclear core, according to Defence secretary Philip Hammond. Fixing the core will cost £120m.
Nuclear Submarine Gets New Core After Reactor Problems
The HMS Vanguard submarine is to be refuelled with a new nuclear core, according to Defence secretary Philip Hammond. Fixing the core will cost £120m.
07 May 2015
Minutes Silence For Lusitania To Be Held In Liverpool
A minutes silence will be held in Liverpool marking the centenary anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania. 1,200 people died and 771 survived after the ship was hit by a torpedo fired from a German submarine during World War One. The ship was sailing from New York to Liverpool when it was sunk off of the coast of Ireland.
Minutes Silence For Lusitania To Be Held In Liverpool
A minutes silence will be held in Liverpool marking the centenary anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania. 1,200 people died and 771 survived after the ship was hit by a torpedo fired from a German submarine during World War One. The ship was sailing from New York to Liverpool when it was sunk off of the coast of Ireland.
10 December 2012
BAE Wins Royal Navy Sub Contract
BAE Systems has been awarded a £1.2bn contract to build the Royal Navy’s new attack submarine. The deal to build the new ship Audacious is expected to secure 3,000 jobs at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. It will replace the Trafalgar Class currently in service. The MoD says a further £1.
BAE Wins Royal Navy Sub Contract
BAE Systems has been awarded a £1.2bn contract to build the Royal Navy’s new attack submarine. The deal to build the new ship Audacious is expected to secure 3,000 jobs at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. It will replace the Trafalgar Class currently in service. The MoD says a further £1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
