A U.S. Nuclear Sub Accident That Almost Became A Disaster

The incident happened in December 2006 but a report into what happened has finally been revealed more than four years later Photo: U.S. Navy/Andy Zask

US Nuclear Submarine 'Within Metres Of Disaster' Off British Coast: Report -- The Telegraph

An American nuclear submarine came within metres of crashing into rocks off Plymouth with 'catastrophic' consequences, according to a long-awaited report.

The nuclear powered submarine came close to a disaster during the incident in which two of their sailors were killed.

A Royal Navy investigation report says the USS Minneapolis-St Paul became dangerously close to grounding on rocks in the River Tamar near Plymouth, Devon, and blamed human failings.

The submarine "came within less than her own length" of hitting rocks as rescuers desperately tried to save five crew members who were swept overboard in freezing waters.

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Update #1: Nuclear submarine incident 'close to catastrophe' -- The Independent
Update #2: American submarine was retired a year after fatal accident -- The Telegraph

My Comment: Saying that this could have been a catastrophe is an understatement.