HMCS Cowichan (hull number MCB 147) was a Bay-class minesweeper constructed for the Royal Canadian Navy, representing a post-World War II effort to modernize and replace older minesweeping vessels. The vessel was built by Davie Shipbuilding in Lauzon, Quebec, with its keel laid on June 20, 1951. Launched on November 12, 1951, and commissioned on December 10, 1953, Cowichan was a relatively small, yet capable, minesweeper designed to operate in Canadian waters during the Cold War period. The ship measured approximately 152 feet (46 meters) in length, with a beam of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a draught of 8 feet (2.4 meters). It displaced around 390 long tons (400 tonnes) at standard load, increasing to 412 long tons (419 tonnes) at deep load. The vessel was built with a wood planking and aluminum framing construction, similar to the Ton-class minesweepers, which provided durability while minimizing magnetic signatures essential for minesweeping operations. It was crewed by 38 officers and ratings. Propelled by two General Motors 12-cylinder diesel engines driving two shafts, Cowichan could reach a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h) and had an operational range of 3,290 nautical miles (6,090 km) at 12 knots. Its armament consisted of a single 40 mm Bofors gun, and it was equipped with minesweeping gear necessary for its primary mission of detecting and clearing naval mines. After a brief service with the Royal Canadian Navy, Cowichan was paid off on March 31, 1954, and transferred to the French Navy on April 7, 1954, where it was renamed La Malouine. The vessel served as a minesweeper until 1973, after which its minesweeping gear was removed, and it was repurposed as a territorial patrol vessel in the Pacific Ocean. La Malouine remained in service until 1977, after which it was used as a target ship and was ultimately sunk on February 25, 1985. The vessel’s short Canadian service and subsequent long career in the French Navy exemplify the versatile use of Bay-class minesweepers during the Cold War era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.