Editor’s note: this story has been updated.
A Navy “harbor security boat” struck a security barrier within the perimeter of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington, Thursday night and sunk, sending three sailors onboard to the hospital with “non-life threatening injuries,” the Navy announced in a press release late Friday afternoon.
The mishap occurred at about 7:20 p.m. Thursday and the vessel belonged to the Navy’s Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific.
“The boat’s crew initiated a distress call and were recovered from the water by another naval vessel,” a brief press release states. “No other vessels were involved in the incident, and all physical security measures remain fully operational.”
The injured sailors were taken to a local medical facility.
Officials did not provide further details on the incident Friday, citing an ongoing investigation.
“There have been no indications of a fuel leak or impact to the environment,” the release states. “We are also assessing the situation to determine the best course of action for recovery of the boat.”
Geoff is the managing editor of Military Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.
