USA: Inquiry Into Ramming Of A Japanese Trawler By A Us Submarine Off Hawaii Opens

Record ID: 4265

  • Title: USA: Inquiry Into Ramming Of A Japanese Trawler By A Us Submarine Off Hawaii Opens
  • Date: 5th March 2001
  • Summary: The US Navy opened a formal inquiry on March 5, 2001 concerning the ramming of a Japanese trawler by a US nuclear submarine USS Greeneville, captained by Commander Scott Waddle, which killed nine people. The navy's Court of Inquiry could also lead to a court martial for three or more officers of the submarine, who will be asked to explain how they failed to notice the 190-foot (58-metre) fishing boat before surfacing off Diamond Head near Honolulu. The fast-attack sub is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar, and published reports have said the Greeneville's crew was aware of a ship in the vicinity before surfacing. The Greeneville was practising emergency manoeuvres on February 9 when it shot out of the water and ploughed into the Ehime Maru, sinking the trawler -- which was packed with Japanese high school students. Nine people were killed and 26 people on board the vessel were rescued. The hearing, which is expected to last several weeks, could end with a recommendation of discipline against the three men, ranging from a letter of reprimand to court martial. That recommendation will be considered by Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander of the US Pacific Fleet. Navy officials have said that other officers could be held accountable as the hearing wears on. Also expected to face tough scrutiny are an enlisted man who reportedly detected the Ehime Maru on sonar and failed to warn his superior officers and Capt. Bob Brandhuber, the chief of staff for the Pacific Submarine Forces, who was hosting the civilian guests. Brandhuber ranks above the three officers named so far in the inquiry. Waddle, 41, will likely give his first public accounting of the tragedy, after declining to speak to investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board. He will be defended by civilian attorney Charles Gittins, who specialises in military cases. At the end of the hearing Waddle was given a written letter of reprimand and resigned from the navy.
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  • Location: USA HAWAII PEARL HARBOR
  • Reuters ID: LDL0012F6LA2F
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
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  • Copyright Holder: Reuters Archive
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