GROTON, Conn. — Officials say nine people were taken to a hospital as a precaution after a chemical spill during routine maintenance aboard a submarine at Connecticut's Navy base.
The Groton base commander, Capt. Carl Lahti, said the potassium hydroxide spill Wednesday morning was contained to the submarine. He said no injuries were reported and the cleanup is in progress.
Atlantic fleet spokesman Cmdr. Tommy Crosby said about a gallon of the chemical spilled aboard the USS Annapolis. He said eight sailors and a fireman were taken to a hospital as a precaution.
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital spokesman Michael O'Farrell in New London said they are being evaluated for respiratory and skin irritation.
Local fire departments including a team from the nearby Electric Boat shipyard responded.
The base is the primary East Coast homeport for the Navy's attack submarines.
