US nuclear submarine hits unidentified object

No life-threatening injuries, sub in ‘safe and stable condition’, US Navy says

The collision happened in international waters in the South China Sea, US officials said. Photograph: Lt Mack Jamieson/US Navy/AFP via Getty
The collision happened in international waters in the South China Sea, US officials said. Photograph: Lt Mack Jamieson/US Navy/AFP via Getty

A United States' Navy submarine hit an "object" while submerged in the Asia-pacific region, though it is unclear what the object was.

The collision happened on Saturday, the US Navy said in a statement, and there were no life-threatening injuries.

US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said about 15 people suffered minor injuries, such as bruises and lacerations. Two of the injuries were categorised as “moderate”.

The collision happened in international waters in the South China Sea, the officials said.

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The submarine’s nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not impacted and remain operational, the Navy said: “The submarine remains in a safe and stable condition.”

The officials added that the submarine was now headed toward Guam under its own power for further inspection. – Reuters