§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the operational capabilities of the LR5 submersible rescue vessel and the procedure for rescuing trapped submarines in cases where rescue submersible vessels cannot lock on the submarine concerned. [140762]
§ Mr. SpellarThe LR5 has the capability to rescue from all Royal Navy submarines to depths of up to 400m and to angles of up to 60 degrees. In addition, by using the Scorpio, a remotely operated vehicle, emergency life support supplies can be provided to a distressed submarine to increase the probability of survival. RN submarines also carry an escape system which allows for 643W escape from a stricken submarine by use of survival suits and escape towers. This system is effective to a depth in the region of 180m.