Canada upset over leaky subs

The MoD said the subs were 'fully operational'

Canada has complained about four second-hand submarines bought from Britain which it says are in need of extensive repairs.

The Canadians are likely to demand compensation from the Ministry of Defence.

The four diesel subs were fully operational before they were sold

Ministry of Defence statement

One of the vessels, the submarine Victoria, is currently in dry dock in Halifax.

The MoD had said it was fully seaworthy and fit to dive but the Victoria leaked hydraulic fluid during its voyage home.

That vessel also had a dented hull and the Canadians dived to full depth unaware of the risk.

The dent was discovered later during a check up.

Cracked valves

There is also an investigation under way into the possibility of a crack in a valve on top of the submarines.

The potential problem came to light after the Royal Navy found such a crack on a submarine sitting in Britain waiting to be delivered.

Exhaust valves on all four subs must now be taken apart.

The repair bill is already approaching C$1m (approximately £500,000) and BBC correspondent Tom Carver says Canada will probably demand compensation.

Britain no longer uses diesel subs

In a statement, the MoD said the four diesel subs were fully operational before they were sold.

The problems have caused embarrassment for the UK, which had mothballed the four vessels before the Canadians bought them for about £332m (C$750m).

Leak alert

HMCS Windsor was carrying out a training exercise off the coast of Nova Scotia when a hydraulic system failed, causing a leak.

The submarine was returning to shore when the submarine sprung a second, more serious leak after a crew member turned a switch the wrong way.

About 2,000 litres of water flooded into the compartments.

When the Windsor first made its way to Canada last year, CBC television filmed the journey.

But during the trip the submarine leaked hydraulic fluid, the radar mast leaked and had to be fixed with masking tape and a rubbish bag, the sonar broke and another faulty piece of equipment had to be unjammed with a hockey stick.