Nuclear Submarine Accident Leaves 2 US Navy Officers Injured, Investigation Underway

An accident aboard a nuclear ballistic missile submarine docked at a maintenance facility in Washington reportedly injured two U.S. Navy officers.

The incident took place Saturday at Pier 3 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

The USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) "experienced a problem with the forward logistics escape trunk during testing, resulting in the rapid depressurization of the compartment," according to a statement by the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The rush of air dislodged scaffolding and other equipment, and created a boom, the statement said.

"Navy personnel responded to the situation. The cause of the event will be fully investigated," the statement read.

The two injured personnel were rushed to a hospital, where they were receiving treatment, the navy said. The medical personnel also evaluated five others, who didn't require treatment.

"Routine compartment air tests are conducted to ensure equipment functions as designed. The boat's nuclear propulsion space was not affected," the navy said in the statement on Facebook.

The USS Louisiana is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, and has been based at Naval Base Kitsap since 2005. It is capable of carrying up to 20 ballistic missiles with thermonuclear warheads.

Last year in October, almost a dozen sailors were injured after a U.S. nuclear attack submarine hit an unknown underwater object in the South China Sea. The Seawolf-class nuclear attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN-22) suffered an underwater collision, while operating in international waters.

According to a U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman, the submarine later returned to Guam, port for the US 7th Fleet.

“The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN-22) struck an object while submerged on the afternoon of Oct. 2, while operating in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region,” Capt. Bill Clinton told USNI News. "The safety of the crew remains the Navy’s top priority. There are no life-threatening injuries."

“The submarine remains in a safe and stable condition. USS Connecticut’s nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain fully operational," he said. “The extent of damage to the remainder of the submarine is being assessed. The US Navy has not requested assistance. The incident will be investigated.”