Posted on: Monday, April 02, 2001

Submarine involved in deadly collision to leave dry dock

Associated Press

PEARL HARBOR – The submarine USS Greeneville, which was involved in a deadly collision with a Japanese fishing vessel, was scheduled to leave dry dock today, the Navy said.

The Greeneville sustained about $2 million damage to its rubber skin Feb. 9 when it collided with the Ehime Maru during an emergency surfacing drill nine miles south of Waikiki.

Twenty-six people aboard the fishing training vessel were rescued, but nine students, teachers and crew are missing and presumed dead.

A rare Navy court of inquiry looked into the accident, but it has yet to make its recommendation to the Pacific Fleet commander. It may include disciplinary action against the Greeneville's officers, who could ultimately face courts-martial.

The 3,600-ton sub was placed in dry dock Feb. 20 so engineers could determine the effects of the impact.

Once out of dry dock, engineers, inspectors and mechanics will conduct a graduated process of ensuring crew and sub readiness to return to sea, the Navy said. Sea trials are expected in about two weeks.

The Greeneville was originally scheduled to deploy in June for six months in the Western Pacific, but that deployment is under review and a departure date has not been determined, the Navy said.