Injuries reported in USS Connecticut submarine’s underwater collision

Bremerton-based Navy nuclear-powered attack vessel reportedly struck a submerged object in Pacific

Bremerton-based USS Connecticut, a Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine, struck an object while submerged Oct. 2 while in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region, the Navy reported today.

A statement issued by U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs stated there were no life-threatening injuries, although the Kitsap Sun reported that a Navy official said 11 sailors were injured.

The condition of the servicemembers wasn’t made known by the Navy’s public affairs office, although an official told USNI News that two people on board the submarine had “moderate” injuries that were treated by onboard medical staff. The news outlet reported “additional sailors received bumps, bruises and lacerations.”

The Associated Press reported the submarine was conducting routine operations in the South China Sea and was headed to port in Guam.

Navy officials said the vessel is in “safe and stable condition.” The statement also stated the USS Connecticut’s nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain operational.

The incident is being investigated, officials said in the statement.