If you’ve been strolling around Vancouver with a view of the Burrard Inlet, you may have spotted something: a submarine out of the water.
Some folks on social media have shared pictures of that submarine in the Burrard Inlet, and we have some details on what it is and what it’s doing there.
The vessel you’re seeing is the HMCS Corner Brook. Don’t worry, we’re not under attack.
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According to the Canadian Department of National Defence, the submarine is the country’s “most advanced submarine.”
The sub was purchased from the British.
“On April 6, 1998, the Canadian Government announced its decision to acquire the 4 Upholder Class submarines from the United Kingdom, which had been placed in reserve by the Royal Navy when it switched to an all-nuclear submarine fleet in the early 1990s,” states the Government of Canada.
“Operationally, Canadian Forces submarines are a specialized element of Canada’s maritime forces. They directly contribute to Canadian security and national defence through their ability to undertake lengthy covert patrols in Canadian maritime areas of responsibility and more distant waters.”
In 2014, extended repairs began on the submarine. In 2021, it returned to the water.
Corner Brook is one of four of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Victoria-class submarines. The Government of Canada says that these vessels are very combat-capable.
“The wide-reaching capabilities provided by the submarines are critical for supporting sovereignty and continental defence operations and ensuring the RCN has the necessary fleet mix and capacity to support operations at home and abroad.”
Navy Captain Jean Stéphane Ouellet, commander of the Canadian Submarine Force, vouched for the submarine in 2021, saying, “With the current and planned upgrades to the boats and a highly trained crew, I would take that platform into battle any time.”
If you’d like to see more pictures of the submarine floating near Vancouver, some folks over on Reddit are also discussing the vessel.
Vessel spottings have been popular in Vancouver over the past few years, particularly when a superyacht is spotted in the city. Did you catch sight of it in the wild the past few days?