Church tribute to dead submariner

Lt Saunders died after the incident on HMCS Chicoutimi

A memorial service has been held in Scotland for a Canadian submariner who died after a fire on a vessel.

Colleagues of Lieutenant Chris Saunders from HMCS Chicoutimi were joined by British naval personnel and others involved in the rescue.

The service took place at Rhu church, not far from HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, where investigators have been examining the blaze-hit vessel.

The event coincided with the funeral of Lt Saunders in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The father of two had been airlifted to hospital in the Republic of Ireland suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation after two fires on board the British-built Chicoutimi last Tuesday.

The submarine was left drifting in the Atlantic following the fires but made its way into Faslane, its Canadian flag at half mast, on Sunday afternoon.

He had so much left to do and so much left to live for The Reverend Bruce Murray

British, American and Irish forces were involved in the rescue operation and Lt Saunders and two colleagues were flown to hospital in the Irish Republic for treatment.

However, the lieutenant later died and his body was flown back to Canada on Sunday with full military honours.

An estimated 500 people attended the Scottish memorial service.

Lt Saunders was described as a devoted husband and father and a submariner who colleagues had been proud to serve with.

Canadian Navy chaplain, the Reverend Bruce Murray, said: "He was a man who loved life. He loved his career in the navy and he loved sailing in a submarine.

"He had so much left to do and so much left to live for."

Commander Luc Pelletier was visibly moved

Rev Murray said colleagues painted a picture of him as "a man who loved to have fun, a man who cared about people, a man who was obviously touched and blessed by God".

The service was an emotional occasion for all those attending and many, including Chicoutimi Commander Luc Pelletier, were visibly moved.

Crew from Royal Navy vessel HMS Montrose, which went to assist the Chicoutimi in the Atlantic, attended the service.

Canadian Commodore Roger Westwood and Commodore Dan Murphy, president of the board of inquiry into the incident, were also present, as were British naval officers including Rear Admiral Nick Harris.

Overcome with emotion

The Submariner's Prayer and A Piper's Lament were included in the 45-minute service.

A planned eulogy by one Chicoutimi crew member did not go ahead after the officer was overcome with emotion.

Members of the local communities of Rhu and Helensburgh also attended.

The three injured sailors were taken to Sligo General Hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.

Petty Officer Denis Lafleur has since been discharged, while Master Seaman Archibald MacMaster, who was in a critical condition at one stage, was expected to leave soon.

In Halifax, mourners spoke of a loving husband and father to two small children, while naval colleagues said their friend would be dearly missed.