From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- No Sailors or merchant seamen were injured when a U.S. Navy submarine and a commercial cargo vessel collided in the Persian Gulf Sept. 5.
The collision between USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and the Turkish-flagged M/V Yaso Aysen occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time while the submarine was conducting surfaced operations as it transited to Bahrain for a scheduled port visit.
The submarine's propulsion plant was unaffected by this event. Philadelphia will continue to Bahrain for inspection of any potential exterior damage.
The incident is under investigation.
Philadelphia is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. Navy Central Command area of responsibility conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.