HMCS Cowichan (hull number MCB 162) was a Bay-class minesweeper serving in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Cold War era. Constructed of wood planking and aluminum framing, the vessel was designed to replace older Second World War-era minesweepers. The keel was laid down on July 10, 1956, by Yarrows Ltd. in Esquimalt, British Columbia, and the ship was launched on February 26, 1957. She was commissioned later that year on December 12. The vessel measured 152 feet (46 meters) in length, with a beam of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a draught of 8 feet (2.4 meters). Displacing approximately 390 long tons (400 tonnes) at standard load and up to 412 long tons (419 tonnes) at deep load, Cowichan had a complement of 38 officers and ratings. Her propulsion system consisted of two GM 12-cylinder diesel engines driving two shafts, collectively producing 2,400 brake horsepower (about 1,800 kW). This allowed her to reach a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h) and a range of 3,290 nautical miles (6,090 km) at a cruising speed of 12 knots. Armed with a single 40 mm Bofors gun and equipped with minesweeping gear, Cowichan primarily served as a training vessel on Canada's Pacific coast. After her commissioning, she became part of Training Group Pacific and continued in this role until the class was re-designated as patrol escorts in 1972. Notably, in 1986, Cowichan rammed and sank a fishing boat in Nanaimo Harbour during heavy fog; fortunately, the occupants were rescued, and her commanding officer was cleared of charges in the subsequent court martial. Decommissioned on August 22, 1997, Cowichan was sold in 1999 for conversion to a yacht. However, the conversion was never carried out, and the vessel remains berthed alongside in Sooke, British Columbia. Throughout her service, HMCS Cowichan played a significant role in training and patrol activities during the Cold War, representing the evolution of Canadian minesweeping and patrol capabilities.

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