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Letters From the Editor
U.S. sailor dies in submarine accident 23 others injured as boat hits ocean floor Sunday, January 9, 2005 Posted: 8:12 AM EST (1312 GMT) The USS San Francisco, pictured in this file photo, ran aground south of Guam.
(CNN) -- A U.S. sailor died Sunday, after sustaining injuries in a submarine accident a day earlier in the western Pacific, according to a statement from the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The sailor -- whose identity has not been released -- was one of 24 wounded when the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS San Francisco ran aground about 350 miles (560 km) south of Guam -- the nearest island -- while it was submerged, the Navy said. Navy sources said the submarine was en route to Brisbane, Australia, for a port visit. Lt. Adam Clampitt of the Pacific Fleet, speaking to CNN from his base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, said there was no damage to the nuclear reactor. The submarine is slowly making its way back to its port in Guam, where it is expected to arrive Monday afternoon, Guam time. Guam is 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The submarine did sustain some damage to its exterior. "When the ship arrives back to its port, there will be an investigation to evaluate the extent of the damage," Clampitt said.
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The accident happened Saturday around noon Guam time and a Navy medical team was immediately dispatched to the sub. The team arrived Sunday morning to treat the wounded, but the one sailor died that afternoon, Clampitt said. "Anytime we lose a shipmate it's a great loss," he said, offering his condolences to the sailor's family and friends. The medical team remains on board the submarine, as it slowly returns to Guam, to treat the other 23 injured crew members for a range of injuries including broken bones, cuts, bruises and a back injury. None of the injuries are life-threatening, Clampitt said.
Many thanks to this months "Booster Club" supporters: • Dave Menefee I seem to have lost my list of this months booster contributers, and my tired old brain cannot remember who they were. I apologize for this, and if the contributers would send me an email, I will be sure to mention them in the next newsletter. How embarassing!! Thanks for helping to keep the Spinax spirit alive and well!
Pecos |
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