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Navy projects bringing San Francisco into port Monday afternoon
by Zita Taitano, KUAM News
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Additional craft speed to assist nuclear submarine after it runs aground near East Marianas Basin
An investigation has been launched surrounding the U.S.S. San Francisco after it ran aground while conducting submerged operations. The Los Angeles-class nuclear powered submarine ran aground approximately 350 miles south of Guam Saturday at approximately 12pm. U.S. Navy spokesperson Lieutenant Arwen Consaul says the sub was reportedly in the middle of the East Marianas Basin.
There is still no report as to the extent of the injuries and damage aboard the San Francisco, which according to the Navy, were still being assessed. The U.S. Pacific Command has speculated that there is one sailor critically injured and several others with lesser injuries. As well, there were no reports of damage to the reactor plant on board the sub, which according to Navy officials, is operating normally. The submarine has reportedly been surfaced following the incident.
Lt. Consaul says the submarine tender the U.S.S. Frank Cable and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Galveston Island are already on their way to escort the San Francisco on its way back to Guam. Lt. Consaul says none of the injured has been airlifted from the submarine, but adds that plans are being made to medically evacuate the injured sailors, once the assisting ships reach the submarine. Lt. Consaul says the Navy anticipates the submarine will arrive sometime Monday afternoon, Guam time.