'Cracked tanks' caused sub blast

The nuclear submarine was hit by an explosion in March 2007

An accident which killed two submariners under the Arctic icecap was probably caused by poorly maintained oxygen tanks, an inquiry has found.

Anthony Huntrod, from Sunderland and Paul McCann, from Halesowen, died when a generator blew up on Devonport-based HMS Tireless in March 2007.

Defence Minister Bob Ainsworth said he was "extremely sorry" for the incident.

He told MPs an inquiry board had found the "most likely" cause was cracked and contaminated oxygen generators.

'Scant regard'

The tragedy took place during a training operation off the coast of Alaska.

According to the board of inquiry, the blast was probably caused by a self-contained oxygen generator (Scog) cracking after it became contaminated with oil.

Mr Ainsworth told MPs that the inquiry had found that Scogs had been left unprotected at docksides.

This would not be acceptable on an oil platform, a chemical plant or any other workplace and it should not be acceptable aboard a submarine Alan Huntrod and Brenda Gooch

He added that several units that should have been taken out of service had been returned for use because paperwork had been doctored - although it was unclear whether any of these had been on board Tireless.

"These events are unacceptable and it is clear from the board of inquiry and other work to date that the MoD [Ministry of Defence] must accept responsibility for what happened," Mr Ainsworth said.

"I am extremely sorry, particularly to the families of those who lost their lives or were injured."

The Crown Prosecution Service said that there was not enough evidence to bring criminal charges, but the Health and Safety Executive was considering an investigation.

Mr Huntrod's parents, Alan Huntrod and Brenda Gooch, said the report showed that the MoD was guilty of "systemic failure".

"It is beyond belief that in this day and age our armed forces could be managed in a way that has such incredibly scant regard for the safety of those who enlist to serve their Queen and country," they said in a statement.

"This would not be acceptable on an oil platform, a chemical plant or any other workplace and it should not be acceptable aboard a submarine."

'Appalling picture'

But BBC correspondent Paul Adams said there were still several unanswered questions:

• Why were 996 "unserviceable" Scogs, which had been kept in a hazardous waste store, put back into submarines?
• How was it possible that Scogs destined for HMS Vanguard, one of four submarines carrying Britain's nuclear deterrent, were left uncovered on a jetty for just under two years?
• Given previous incidents involving Scogs, should crews have been more aware of the dangers posed by them?

He added that of 258 Scogs carried by HMS Tireless when it returned to Devonport in April 2007, 57% were found to be damaged, 27% corroded and 10% contaminated with oil or grease - one of the key factors that is thought to have contributed to the explosion.

The report praised a third crew member who caught fire in the blast, but managed to put it out and extinguish other flames in the submarine.

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick Harvey praised Mr Ainsworth for his "unreserved apology" and for "accepting the ministry's responsibility for what's gone wrong".

Shadow defence minister Julian Lewis said the report "does not pull its punches".

He added: "The findings of the board of inquiry paint an appalling picture of inadequate procedures to ensure that the combustible oxygen replenishment devices were safe."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Since this incident, the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence have taken several steps to eliminate the risk that might be posed by self-contained oxygen generators."