Nuclear sub runs
aground off Guam

The nuclear submarine USS San Francisco ran aground while conducting underwater operations about 350 miles south of Guam, the Navy said late yesterday.

One sailor was critically injured and several others suffered minor injuries when the 360-foot sub ran aground around noon Guam time, the Navy said in a news release.

Further details, including the extent of damage and injuries, were unavailable, but the Navy said there were no reports of damage to the submarine's reactor plant, which was operating normally.

Jon Yoshishige, a spokesman for the U.S. Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor, said the incident is under investigation and the San Francisco is on its way back to its homeport in Guam. The sub has a crew of 137.

Military and Coast Guard aircraft from Guam were en route to monitor the submarine yesterday and assist if needed, the Navy said.