US Navy's nuclear submarine collides with 'unidentified object' in South China Sea

Over a dozen sailors sustained injuries after a nuclear powered submarine stuck an unidentified object while being submerged underwater in disputed South China Sea. According to BBC News, roughly 15 sailors received mir injuries, all of whom were treated on submarine itself. In a statement later, US Navy pacific command clarified that collision took place on 2 October and that body onboard suffered life threatening injuries. 

Beijing has always been wary of American ships transiting through South China Sea, which it claims to be its own under nine dash line. US, on or hand, has repeatedly carried out ‘freedom of navigation’ operations to assert navigational rights as per international law. It is to mention that 3.5 million square kilometres wide South China Sea is also a bone of contention  between Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Philippines. 

Meanwhile, US Navy confirmed that it has initiated a probe to find out specifics of object that hit submarine. It also reiterated that ‘safety of crew’ remains its top priority. USS Connecticut (SSN-22) is a nuclear powered fast attack submarine and has been in operation since 1997. 

submarine remains in a safe and stable condition. USS Connecticut’s nuclear propulsion plant and s were t affected and remain fully operational. extent of dam to remainder of submarine is being assessed, US Navy said in a statement. 

Australia warns against increasing competetion in SCS 

Earlier, Australia ted that a great power competition is intensifying, with territorial tensions in South China Sea, Taiwan, and elsewhere becoming more challenging. "Visibly a pacific military capability is proceeding at an unprecedented rate," it added. China is driving force behind it because it has world's largest military, said Australian High Commission. globe is undergoing a modernisation effort. According to Australian High Commission, strengning Australia's nuclear capacity through nuclear submarines is part of Australia's contribution to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It strengns Australia's strategic position and helps us to better control destiny of our area. As per commission, Australia made decision in response to shifting strategic conditions.

Im: US Navy