Rare accident of a US submarine in South China Sea

China has expressed concern after the US navy revealed a diving collision.

by

An unknown object, hit in immersion, damaged the USS Connecticut Nuclear attack submarine and wounded eleven members of his crew, revealed the US Navy, Thursday, October 7. The accident occurred on 2 October “in the international waters of the Indo-Pacific region”, according to her, in the South China Sea, said the press. The event falls badly for the American fleet, in full period of strong military tensions with China around Taiwan and in the context of the Aukus pact – the planned delivery of nuclear-powered submersibles to Australia.

The USS Connecticut, Seawolf Class ship, in service for twenty-four years, is one of the most efficient and furtive in the world. He had just participated in allied exercises with Japan and the United Kingdom. “The submarine remains safe and stable. The propulsion nuclear power plant and the spaces of the submarine have not been affected and remain fully operational”, communicated the American command of the Pacific fleet. The ship joined Guam Island for repairs.

No vital injury is deplored, but the number of injuries testifies to a significant shock, consider specialists. Pending additional information, everything remains possible to explain it: container or waste, other submarine or submarine drone, clandestine drilling, rock. In the Pacific, the last dive serious accident lived by the US submarket dated 2005, when the USS San Francisco banged by the front a mont immersed, making a death and about twenty wounded.

“Fighter Loup”

The accident is important, because navigating in this region rich in natural resources has become a strategic business, as Beijing carries out its approaches and has its military power on islets disputed by many riparian states. “China is seriously concerned” by this collision, has declared the spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhao Lijian on Thursday, asking for explanations on the circumstances of the accident.

The China Sea is dangerously inclusive, always attracting more war ships from the Indo-Pacific, West and Russia. This is to defend the freedom of navigation that China is dispute, but also to carry out exercises with local partners, or to conduct intelligence missions. Submarines, many, meet now in the area. “If China, Russia or any other country are adopting conflicting underwater tactics of” Fighter Loupe “, like China’s non-professional attitude in the air and the sea , it should be a reminder to the order for everyone “, written Craig Hooper, in the American magazine Forbes.

You have 37.42% of this article to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.

/Media reports.