U.S. Nuclear Sub Accident in 2021 ‘Preventable’

A U.S. Navy investigation into USS Connecticut (SSN 22)’s crashing into a seamount in the South China Sea on Oct.2 last year has determined the incident was “preventable.”

In a report published Monday, investigators state the Seawolf-class nuclear-powered submarine grounded on an uncharted seamount in a poorly surveyed area of international waters in the Indo-Pacific region as a result of an accumulation of errors and omissions in navigation planning, watch-team execution and risk management that "fell far below U.S. Navy standards."

"No single action or inaction caused this mishap, but it was preventable. It resulted from an accumulation of errors and omissions in navigation planning, watchteam execution, and risk management. Prudent decision-making and adherence to standards in any one of these three areas could have prevented the grounding," Rear Adm. Christopher Cavanaugh, who led the investigation, wrote in the report.

Eleven crew members sustained minor injuries and the vessel was removed from operations for repairs. A month after the incident, leading officers were fired.

"A grounding at this speed and depth had the potential for more serious injuries, fatalities and even loss of the ship," Cavanaugh said.

The vessel’s navigation plan for Oct. 2 did not meet safe navigation standards as its review team failed to identify and mark at least 10 charted hazards located in the vicinity of where the incident took place as well as incorrectly assessed the submarine would be operating in open waters, the report said.

The official said taken by the crew and its leadership following the grounding were "effective" as the vessel was put in a stable condition on the ocean's surface, managed injuries and equipment damage, and transited to Guam safely and securely.