New rescue sub tested on sea loch

The submarine has been in Loch Linnhe off Fort William

A new rescue submarine designed for the military is being put through its paces in its first open water trial in Loch Linnhe off Fort William.

The vessel has been built to deal with incidents such as Russia's Kursk disaster in which 118 sailors died.

The Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) is expected to enter service with Nato members France, Norway and the UK next year. The project involves Rolls-Royce.

Fort William's Underwater Centre is hosting the trials.

Loch Linnhe was chosen because of its deep waters and its shape and landscape.

The new vessel is one of the world's most advanced submarine rapid rescue systems.

Its decompression and transfer chambers are aimed at holding up to 83 submariners at once and being deployed anywhere in the world within 72 hours.

KURSK FACT FILE It is believed that fuel leaking from a torpedo ignited, causing fire and a devastating explosion in the Kursk's forward sections Russian rescue subs tried and failed to open escape hatches. Further rescue attempts abandoned after Norwegian divers finally managed to open a hatch, and found the boat totally flooded It was later discovered that some 23 sailors survived in compartment 9 at the stern for several hours after the explosion

Diving technology firm Divex, of Westhill, near Aberdeen, was involved with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on its development.

Rolls-Royce programme manager, Jonty Powis, said: "This is the first trial in open water of the NSRS, but is the first of several planned here at The Underwater Centre in Fort William."

Steve Ham, general manager at the Underwater Centre, said it was a privilege to be involved in the programme.

The Kursk sank in the Barents Sea in 2000 when a torpedo exploded on board.

The incident on one of Russia's newest and most modern submarines during exercises was the country's worst peacetime military disaster.