Canadian sub inquiry postponed

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- An inquiry into the fatal fire aboard a Canadian submarine has been postponed to allow the captain and two officers to seek legal advice.

Cmdr. Luc Pelletier, Lt. Sebastian LaTullipe and Lt. Brendan Ryan of the HMCS Chicoutimi were scheduled to testify next week about a hatch left open as the sub sailed in rough seas off the coast of Ireland Oct. 5, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Saturday. However, the inquiry has been rescheduled for March 1.

The open hatch is believed to have caused an electrical fire that claimed the life of Lt. Chris Saunders and injured eight other crew members.