Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
12 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the emergency towing vessel was requested to come to the assistance of the Canadian submarine in the recent incident off the Donegal coast; the length of time it took for the towing vessel to arrive on the scene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25756/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent incident to which the Deputy refers occurred on Tuesday, 5 October, 100 miles north-north west of Arranmore Island, County Donegal. A Canadian submarine, HMCS Chicoutimi, was on route from Faslane, Scotland, to Canada when fire broke out on board. Three crew members suffered smoke inhalation. The fire also caused loss of engine power. Weather and sea conditions were very poor and hampered, but did not prevent both search and rescue and salvage operations.
The incident took place in the UK search and rescue region. At 16.05 local time on Tuesday, 5 October, the UK coastguard emergency towing vessel, Anglian Prince, which was then located off the north west coast of Scotland, was tasked by the UK authorities to come to the scene of the incident. It arrived on Wednesday, 6 October at 18.46, taking 26 hours and 41 minutes to arrive on scene.
Although the HMCS Chicoutimi was in the Irish pollution responsibility zone, IRPZ, the UK authorities, which were acting on behalf of the Canadian Government, were responsible for providing the salvage response. The UK authorities made salvage proposals which were approved by the Irish Coast Guard.
I wish to record my sadness that one of the three crewmen, who suffered smoke inhalation as a result of the incident, died before arrival at Sligo Hospital to which he was air-lifted. However, with regard to the management of the overall incident, I am satisfied that the Irish Coast Guard, having agreed a joint process with the UK authorities for co-ordination of pollution and salvage matters and for search and rescue operations, successfully carried out its responsibilities. The coast guard monitored the course of the drifting submarine. At no time did the vessel pose an environmental threat to the Irish coastline. The submarine was salvaged and towed to safety at Faslane in Scotland and no pollution occurred. In all, and given the complexity of the situation which prevailed, I am satisfied that Ireland's responsibilities in respect of this incident were thoroughly and successfully carried out.
