There are two ongoing stories that demonstrate the risks run by those that go down to the sea in ships, even in peacetime.
HMCS Protecteur has suffered a fire in the engine room and has lost propulsion hundreds of miles off Hawaii. Twenty Canadian sailors were injured, luckily none seriously. But a fire at sea is a terrible threat, made worse in this case by the presence of some family members. The latter have been transferred at sea to USS Michael Murphy, a guided missile destroyer. Unfortunately the Murphy has been unable to take Protecteur under tow in the nasty sea conditions. It is hoped that a guided missile cruiser, USS Chosin, will be able to do so.
In another ocean and another navy, the Indian navy's submarine Sindhuratna had an accident at sea, during which two sailors were lost and seven injured were airlifted ashore. This deadly event comes only six months after another Russian-built Kilo-class boat exploded and sank while alongside, killing eighteen. The Indian naval chief has resigned.
Meanwhile, in the Crimea, Mr. Putin is putting the whole world's nerves on edge....
4 comments:
When did the practice of families onboard begin? Is it restricted to only certain types of vessels?
I was surprised to hear there were families aboard. Years ago it was not uncommon to take family members on a short cruise, but nothing like Pearl Harbor to Esquimalt, at least in my time. And no doubt it would depend on the vessel. Way back, in Nelson's time, there definitely were women aboard larger warshipls. Their presence accounts for ongoing naval terms such as "shake a leg", and "son of a gun".
Do I dare ask about "shake a leg" and "son of a gun"?
The Protecteur is not in the first flush of youth. I believe she came into service in 1969 and we are years away from a replacement. The danger of fire and breakdown increase as the vessel ages in spite of refit and on going maintenance. I give the crew full marks for bringing the fire under control with so few injuries. It speaks to their training.
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