US nuclear submarine collides with unknown object in South China Sea

More than a dozen US sailors have been injured after a nuclear submarine hit an unknown object while operating in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region. US officials said,fifteen sailors received minor injuries when the USS Connecticut collided with the object on Saturday. They added that it was unclear what had caused the collision.

The incident comes as tensions mount over a recent uptick of Chinese incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone.

Taking to Twitter, the US



Navy's Pacific Fleet said, the submarine remains in a safe and stable condition. It said, USS Connecticut’s nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain fully operational.

The extent of damage to the remainder of the submarine is being assessed. The US Navy has not requested assistance. The incident will be investigated.

A US Navy spokesperson said, the submarine is now headed towards the US territory of Guam.