HMCS Chaleur was a Bay-class minesweeper built for the Royal Canadian Navy, showcasing a design typical of post-World War II mine countermeasure vessels. She was constructed by Port Arthur Shipbuilding in Ontario, with her keel laid on June 8, 1951, and launched on June 21, 1952. The vessel was commissioned into Canadian service on June 18, 1954, designated with hull number 144. 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). Constructed primarily of wood planking with aluminum framing, her design was similar to the Ton-class minesweepers, emphasizing lightness and durability for minesweeping tasks. She displaced around 390 long tons (400 metric tons) at standard load and 412 long tons (419 metric tons) at deep load. Her crew consisted of 38 officers and ratings. Powered by two General Motors 12-cylinder diesel engines, generating a total of 2,400 brake horsepower, Chaleur could reach a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h). Her armament included a single Bofors 40 mm gun, complemented by minesweeping gear necessary for her primary role. Her brief Canadian service lasted only three months before being paid off on September 30, 1954. She was transferred to France shortly afterward, on October 9, 1954, and officially commissioned as La Dieppoise in November of the same year. Based initially in Brest and later in Diego Suarez in 1972, La Dieppoise served as a minesweeper until 1973, after which her minesweeping equipment was removed. She then transitioned to a patrol vessel for France's Pacific territories, ultimately stationed in Nouméa from June 29, 1976, until her decommissioning on July 9, 1987. Following her decommissioning, La Dieppoise was selected as an artificial reef and recreational diving site in Nouméa's lagoon. She was sunk on January 19, 1988, after a postponement due to Cyclone Anne, marking the end of her maritime service and her distinction as the last wooden minesweeper in French service.

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