Leading Operator Mechanic Paul McCann and
Operator Maintainer (Weapons Submariner) 2 Anthony Huntrod killed in accident aboard HMS Tireless

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deaths of Leading Operator Mechanic Paul McCann and Operator Maintainer (Weapons Submariner) 2 Anthony Huntrod in an accident aboard HMS Tireless on 21 March 2007.

One submariner was also injured. He was airlifted to a US military hospital, where he remains. His injuries are not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.

The accident occurred at 0420hrs on 21 March 2007 onboard HMS Tireless, a Trafalgar Class submarine, on exercise in the Arctic.

It is thought that the accident involved a piece of air-purification equipment in the forward section of the submarine.

 

Leading Operator Mechanic Paul McCann
(1974-2007)

 

Leading Operator Mechanic (LOM) Paul McCann from Halesowen, West Midlands, aged 32, was born on Christmas Day 1974 and joined the Royal Navy in November 2001. He joined HMS Tireless in June 2004 and deployed with the boat to the North Polar Ice Cap on 2 March 2007.

Paul McCann was a talented, charismatic and cheerful man whose leadership skills and ability to inspire all around him quickly won his promotion to LOM. He thrived on looking after the junior members of the ship's company and would always be available for advice.

He attended the Earls High School in Halesowen, West Midlands. A keen sportsman who supported Birmingham City FC, he represented both his home team and the Royal Navy at cricket and played rugby for Plymouth Command and Old Halesowians.

The Commander Officer of HMS Tireless Commander Iain Breckenridge RN said:
"He was simply the kind of man a Commanding Officer could call on at any time and in any circumstances - his exuberance, good humour and huge personality are greatly missed by all of his shipmates.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends to whom every man onboard Tireless passes his deepest sympathy."

Fellow shipmates added that Paul was considered a role model by his subordinates who greatly appreciated his selfless participation and encouragement of their training and professional advancement.

He was described by his mum Pauline, dad Brian and sister Sharon as "a caring and gentle man who loved his family and was a great uncle to Indea and Lotte". His mum said that she "couldn't have wished for a better son."

Paul had recently got engaged to his fiancée Julie who lives in Philadelphia, United States, and he had submitted his notice to leave the Navy to marry and move to the United States. He loved the Royal Navy and only planned to leave because he wanted to live with his fiancée in the US.

The family wish to thank all members of their family and friends and Paul's many friends for their love and support.

The family have asked that the media respect their privacy at this extremely difficult time.

 

Operator Maintainer (Weapons Submariner) 2 Anthony Huntrod
(1986-2007)

 

Anthony Huntrod from Sunderland, aged 20, was born on 7 October 1986 and joined the Royal Navy in 2005. He joined HMS Tireless in June 2006 and deployed to the Polar Ice Cap at the beginning of March 2007.

He recently qualified as a submariner onboard HMS Tireless, gaining the coveted award of the 'Dolphins' badge. During this initial training period, his positive approach, determination to succeed and huge heart very quickly ensured he gained the admiration and trust of the ship's company. His infectious enthusiasm was impossible not to notice.

A personable man, keen to further enhance his career, he recently joined the combat computer section, immediately impressing with his eagerness to learn and personable nature.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Tireless Commander Iain Breckenridge RN said:
"I consider myself fortunate and privileged to have worked with such a committed, capable and effervescent young man and it was rare that I talked to him without both of us breaking into beaming smiles.

"Anthony stood at the cusp of a successful career. His loss has been profoundly felt by all onboard but our thoughts are very much with his family and friends to whom every man onboard HMS Tireless passes his deepest sympathy."

His shipmates added that Anthony had seamlessly adapted to the difficult and demanding life of the submariner and had quickly earned the trust and respect of all onboard.

A statement from Anthony's family reads:
"Anthony was our son. We will miss him. He will be greatly missed by us for the rest of our lives. He was over the moon when he joined the Navy two years ago. He greatly loved the Navy and the job that he did."

(Story and photos courtesy of the Royal Navy)