The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut departs Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton in May
(Picture: US NAVY/AFP via Getty Images)Fifteen US sailors have been injured after a nuclear submarine hit an “unknown object” while submerged in waters around the South China Sea.
They sustained minor injuries when the USS Connecticut collided with the object on Saturday, US officials said.
They said the vessel was in “safe and stable condition”.
US Navy spokesperson said the Seawolf-class submarine’s nuclear propulsion plant was not affected, it added.
They said it was not yet clear what object the sub had struck but that it was not another submarine.
One official said it could have been a sunken vessel, a sunken container or other uncharted object.
“The extent of damage to the remainder of the submarine is being assessed,” the Navy said in a statement, adding that the incident will be investigated.
The statement did not specify the location of the incident, but two Navy officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details not announced publicly, said it happened in the South China Sea while the Connecticut was conducting routine operations.
The officials said the sub then headed toward port at Guam. They said the incident was not announced before Thursday in order to maintain operational security.
