A US nuclear submarine struck an unknown object while submerged in the South China Sea, injuring 11 sailors, US officials have confirmed. The USS Connecticut collided with the object on Saturday during routine operations, but the incident was only made public on Thursday for operational security reasons.
The US Navy stated that the submarine remains fully operational and that its nuclear propulsion plant was unaffected. Two officials told the Associated Press that two of the injured sailors sustained moderate injuries, while the rest had minor injuries. All were treated on board.
Officials said the object was not another submarine, with one suggesting it could have been a sunken vessel, container, or other uncharted object. Defence expert Alexander Neill commented that the number of injuries indicated the submarine likely hit something large at high speed, highlighting the increasing underwater military activity in the region.
China expressed serious concern over the incident, calling on the US to provide further details, including the purpose of the mission. The USS Connecticut was later reported heading towards Guam. The last similar incident occurred in 2005 when the USS San Francisco hit an underwater mountain near Guam, resulting in one fatality.
The collision comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where China claims most of the area, disputed by several neighbouring countries and the US. The incident follows a recent security pact between the US, UK, and Australia, seen as a move to counter China's influence.
