Tribute to tragic sub sailor
A top navy officer today paid tribute to the Black Country sailor who died in an explosion aboard a nuclear submarine during an operation under the Arctic ice cap.
Paul McCann, aged 32, of Halesowen, was killed when an emergency oxygen device exploded aboard HMS Tireless during a joint Ango-American operation. Anthony Huntrod, aged 20, of Sunderland, also died.
A third sailor was airlifted to a hospital at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, by the Alaska Air National Guard. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Commanding officer of HMS Tireless, Commander Iain Breckenridge said his thoughts were with the families of the men who died.
In tribute to Leading Operator Mechanic (LOM) McCann, Commander Breckenridge said: "He was simply the kind of man a commanding officer could call on at any time and in any circumstances."
Mr McCann was born on Christmas Day 1974 and joined the Royal Navy in November 2001. He joined HMS Tireless in June 2004 and deployed to the North Polar Ice Cap on March 2 this year.
He thrived on looking after the junior members of the ship's company and would always be available for advice, the MoD Said.
Mr McCann was 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.
His shipmates said he was considered a role model by his subordinates, who greatly appreciated his selfless participation and encouragement of their training and professional advancement.
Mr McCann was described by his mother Pauline, father Brian and sister Sharon as "a caring and gentle man who loved his family and was a great uncle to Indea and Lotte".
His mother added she "couldn't have wished for a better son."
Mr McCann has recently become engaged to his fiancee Julie who lives in Philadelphia, United States, and had submitted his notice to leave the Navy to marry and move America.
