Submarine plan breaks the surface

The new chambers are described as world leaders

One of the world's most advanced submarine rapid rescue systems has been unveiled near Aberdeen.

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

Diving technology firm Divex, of Westhill, has been working with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the plan.

The multi-million-pound Nato Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) will undergo sea trials later in the year.

It is hoped it will be the largest and most capable system of its type in the world.

It has to be light enough to be carried by suitable aircraft, and strong enough to sustain the toughest of sea conditions.

The system is in the final stages of completion and was being inspected by Nato officials on Tuesday.

Divex's project leader Peter Williamson said: "The team have designed and built a tough, high tech, air transportable saturation system that for the first time utilises advanced electronic remote operation and monitoring systems.

"The chambers and life support system is well beyond anything that currently exists in the market place for submarine rescue."