Religious ceremony in honour of dead submarine sailor

A religious and military ceremony is to take place at Dublin Airport today for the Canadian Lieutenant who died following a fire on board a Canadian submarine off the north-west coast last week.

Thirty-two-year-old father of two Chris Saunders died at Sligo General Hospital after suffering smoke inhalation as a result of the blaze.

The Canadian ambassador, Government dignitaries and members of the Irish and Canadian Naval Service are expected to be among those attending today’s service.

Chris Saunders’ remains are to be flown back to Halifax in Canada for a full military funeral.

Commandant Brian Cleary from the Irish Defence Forces said the Irish Navy did all they could to help ease what he said was a “tragic and unfortunate” event, and added that Canadian Navy staff were very appreciative of the rescue attempts.

Meanwhile, the submarine is expected to arrive at a naval base in Scotland today, five days after being disabled by fire off the Donegal coastline.