WASHINGTON – A United States nuclear submarine has been damaged after hitting an unidentified object while operating underwater in Asia, said the navy yesterday.
The USS Connecticut, a nuclear-powered fast-attack vessel, “struck an object while submerged on the afternoon of October 2 while operating in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region”, said the force in a statement.
It said there were no life-threatening injuries, but USNI News, a site specialising in navy news, reported that about a dozen sailors sustained “moderate to minor injuries”.
The site also said the submarine was operating in the South China Sea, where the US Navy has sought to challenge China’s disputed territorial claims on small islands, reefs and outcrops.
The navy said the extent of the damage is being examined and the incident investigated.
“The submarine remains in a safe and stable condition. The USS Connecticut’s nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected, and remain fully operational.”
USNI News said the vessel is now headed to the US base in Guam. – AFP, October 8, 2021
