HMCS Chicoutimi.   Canadian Submarine HMCS Chicoutimi.  Photographs and details of HMCS Chicoutimi, the newly purchased Canadian submarine involved in a fire shortly after being handed over to the Canadian Navy.  Ex - HMS Upholder.

HMCS Chicoutimi was handed over to the Canadian Navy on Saturday, 2nd October 2004 at Faslane Naval Base.  Previously, the submarine was the Royal Navy Upholder class submarine, HMS Upholder, launched 2nd December 1986.  After leaving the base, the submarine suffered what is reported to have been an electrical fire on the afternoon of Tuesday 5th October, with the loss of one crew member, Lt Chris Saunders, who died as a result of smoke inhalation.  The submarine was rendered powerless by the fire, and efforts were made to bring the submarine back to Faslane.  Bad weather hampered the rescue bid, and one of the crew of the Chicoutimi was washed overboard during the operation, and rescued by a navy diver.  Despite this, the submarine, escorted by the Canadian Frigate, FFH340 St John's, Royal Navy frigate F236 HMS Montrose, and several tugs, returned to Faslane Naval Base on the Gareloch, on the afternoon of Sunday, 10th October, barely a week after she left the very same base.

HMCS Chicoutimi is escorted by RMAS tugs A344 Impulse and A231 Dexterous, 10th October 2004.

Norwegian sealift vessel M/V Eide Transporter with HMCS Chicoutimi onboard.  Ready to leave Faslane Naval Base for the submarine's home port of Halifax, 13th January 2005.

Norwegian sealift vessel M/V Eide Transporter with HMCS Chicoutimi onboard.  Ready to leave Faslane Naval Base for the submarine's home port of Halifax, 13th January 2005.

Norwegian sealift vessel M/V Eide Transporter with HMCS Chicoutimi onboard. Leaving Faslane Naval Base for the submarine's home port of Halifax, 13th January 2005.

Norwegian sealift vessel M/V Eide Transporter with HMCS Chicoutimi onboard.  Leaving Faslane Naval Base for the submarine's home port of Halifax, 13th January 2005.