Injury Update
Nearly all sailors injured aboard USS San Francisco treated and released from hospital
by Ken Wetmore, KUAM News
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Of the 23 injured sailors aboard the USS San Francisco, all but three have been treated and released from Naval Hospital in Agana Heights. COMNARMAR spokesperson Lt. Arwen Consaul says the three who remain in the hospital are listed in stable condition, and at least one will be released tomorrow.
The 23 were injured saturday when the San Francisco ran aground about 350 miles south of Guam while conducting submerged exercises on her way to a port call in Australia. Machinist Mate 2nd Class Joseph Ashley of Ohio lost his life in the accident and today Pacific Submarine Force spokesperson Lt. Commander Jeff Davis said a memorial service has tentatively been scheduled for this Thursday at COMNAVMAR.
Lt. Commander Davis says further details have yet to be finalized.
As for the damages sustained to the San Franscico, the Pacific Submarine Force spokesperson says crews have been going over the submarine since last night and the Navy is still evaluating the full extent of damages. Lt. Commander Davis would not comment on what damages have been sustained, only saying there has been significant damage to the front of the submarine. He says once the Navy determines all the damages they will come up with a plan of action for repairing the San Francisco and at that time will determine where the repairs will be done.
In the meantime, the New York Times and MSNBC have reported unnamed Navy officials have told them the San Francisco was submerged more than 400 feet below the surface and traveling at around 30 knots when the accident occurred. MSNBC reported that their sources say the submarine's sonar systems were damaged in the collision and the New York Times reports one officer saying some of the ships ballast tanks that are needed to resurface were damaged, making keeping the submarine afloat initially "very touch and go".
Lt. Commander Davis refused to confirm the information found in either report.