Non-Naval Security

Investigators determine vandalism as cause of Canadian Coast Guard vessel sinking

Baird Maritime
Photo: MarineTraffic.com/Graham Flett

A Canadian Coast Guard vessel named after a fallen soldier ended up on its side and partially submerged in the waters of Nova Scotia on the evening of Friday, November 16.

The Hero-class patrol vessel CCGS Corporal McLaren MMV slid down a ramp and ended up in the water at the Canadian Maritime Engineering shipyard where it has been undergoing scheduled maintenance since November 5.

An investigation by the Halifax police has revealed that someone intentionally cut the cradle cable and safety chain keeping the ship in place at the yard. This then caused it to slip free and slide back into the ocean.

No injuries or oil spills have been reported.

The vessel was named after Canadian Army Corporal Mark Robert McLaren, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on December 5, 2008. Corporal McLaren was posthumously awarded the Medal of Military Valour for his actions on that date.