A US nuclear submarine struck an “uncharted ocean mount” in the South China Sea last month, injuring 11 people, a Navy investigation revealed.
After 39 warplanes entered Taiwanese airspace, tensions rose with China on the day that the USS Connecticut struck an underwater mountain.
Two days later, 56 aircraft flew into the area in record time during a 24-hour period.
After an investigation, the 7th Fleet in the west Pacific determined that there was no foul play. It concluded that the Connecticut had crashed into a mountain that rose from the seabed on October 2.
A spokesperson for the USS Connecticut stated that the investigation revealed that the vessel was grounded on an uncharted seamount, while operating in international waters in Indo-Pacific.
The Navy is on alert in South China Sea where China continues its threats and claims to disputed islands. These islands are valuable for their historical and strategic importance.
According to the 7th Fleet, an organization that operates in the western Pacific region, an investigation concluded that the Connecticut (pictured at Puget Sound, Washington in 2016), had been struck into a geological formation, and not another vessel, on October 2.
After 39 warplanes broke into Taiwanese Airspace, tensions were high when the USS Connecticut hit the underwater mountain. In a 24-hour span, 56 aircraft flew in to the zone, a record.
The Navy confirmed that the incident occurred a week later. It only stated that the Connecticut, which is a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine,’struck something while submerged.
Beijing accused Washington of not providing timely and detailed information about the incident Tuesday, blaming a ‘lackof transparency’ and ‘lackof responsibility’ from Washington
Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated that China has asked the US to explain the vessel’s navigational intentions, the exact location of the accident, whether the accident occurred in any country’s exclusive economic zone or territorial waters, and whether any nuclear damage or leaks were caused.
Washington should stop sending warships and military planes to provoke trouble and show force, Wang said. He warned that this type d’accident will only get worse without any changes in US actions.
According to the 7th Fleet, further discussions would be conducted on “whether follow-on actions, including accountability are appropriate.”
USNI News, a thinktank near the Navy, reported that there were minor and moderate injuries.
It claimed that the sub’s forward tanks were damaged and that it was forced to sail to the surface for repairs.
According to the publication, damage to the nuclear plant of the ship was not done.
The 353-foot vessel was built in 1998. It sails with a crew consisting of 116 people, 15 officers, and sails at 353 feet.
It can also carry 40 missiles and torpedoes.
As China seeks to dominate smaller countries and seize control of strategic islands and reefs in the region, the South China Sea is a key sphere of influence for America as well as its allies.
And last month, as tensions escalated over the flying of warplanes into Taiwan, it emerged that China had tested a new hypersonic nuclear-capable missile, taking world powers by surprise with a fearsome technology capable of striking virtually anywhere on the planet.
Weapons race: A comparison (columns starting from left) of the most advanced (columns starting from left) missiles and aircraft carriers, tanks, and aircraft owned by the US, China, and Russia
The new Aukus alliance, which was formed last month by Australia, the UK and the US, is designed to counter the threat posed China.
The new security pact in South China Sea has increased tensions. Many smaller countries, such Vietnam and the Philippines, rely on the US for military support.
Xi Jinping, China’s President, has stated previously that Taiwan, a self-governing democracy will eventually be subsumed by China.
Taiwan’s government has repeatedly appealed to Washington and Washington to not dismiss Beijing’s threats as mere bombast.
A fleet of US, UK, and Australian vessels has been charting the globe, traveling to the Far East and back as part of the West’s showof strength.
The Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Queen Elizabeth, led the fleet from the South China Sea to the Gulf via the Bay of Bengal.
The UK Carrier Strike Group’s final destination is the Gulf, before it returns to Portsmouth, on the south coast of England.