Battle to save sub in blaze drama

A dramatic rescue operation was under way today as British vessels raced to save a stricken Canadian submarine drifting in the north Atlantic.

Nine of the crew were injured after fire broke out on the vessel, which was sold by Britain to Canada in a controversial deal and only handed over four days ago. Reports have claimed that Canada is considering suing Britain over the purchase of the HMCS Chicoutimi and three other submarines after they were plagued by "serious malfunctions and corrosion".

Five British boats battled against fierce weather conditions overnight to reach the Chicoutimi after she called for help shortly after 3pm yesterday.

They were trying to reach the vessel, which has been drifting 100 miles off the west coast of Ireland.

The rescue team included the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Wave Knight and Royal Navy vessels HMS Montrose from Faslane and HMS Marlborough.

Two tugs were also coming to her rescue as investigation teams prepared to probe the cause of the fire.

The Canadian navy said the rescue operation was being hampered by treacherous weather conditions.

The Chicoutimi, formerly named HMS Upholder, and the three other submarines cost ?900 million to build but were sold for about ?244 million.