"USS Connecticut": Underwater collision in the South China Sea

Submerged on patrol in the South China Sea, the nuclear-powered Seawolf-class submarine runs into an unknown underwater object.

The incident occurred on 2 October. According to the US 7th Fleet, the "USS Connecticut" was in international waters. Eleven crew members suffered injuries such as bruises and lacerations. Two of the cases were categorised as 'moderate', the others as 'minor'.

After the collision, the submarine was able to continue its journey. According to the US Navy, the submarine was stable and fully operational. Weapons and sensor systems as well as the propulsion system remained unaffected. The unit is now travelling to Guam to assess the damage. On its own keel, i.e. without support.

Navigation for a submerged submarine in the South China Sea is a challenge. Not so much because of the water depths (the average depth there is just over 1,000 metres), but rather because of the disputed territorial claims. China has recently introduced a reporting regime for nuclear-powered units for their passage in the South China Sea.

Speculation is currently circulating as to whether a Chinese underwater drone could have been the cause of the collision. Beijing has been investing in the development of autonomous underwater vehicles since 1986. Today, China has several underwater drone systems. The largest system, "Haishen 6000", 7.6 metres long and weighing 3.5 tonnes, is said to be able to dive to depths of up to 6,000 metres. In 2019, the PLA-N unveiled a seven-metre-long underwater drone, the HSU-001, at the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic.

Naturally, hunting submarines do not use active sensors during their patrols. They are 'blind', so to speak, to objects drifting in the water that do not cause emissions (sonar, engine or other noises). In this respect, other objects, from containers to fishing equipment or things blown ashore, may also have caused the collision. The eastern Chinese region was hit by Typhoon Chanthu in mid-September.

https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2804805/statement-regarding-uss-connecticut-ssn-22/

Photo: USNavy/Nguyen

Text: hum