China’s New Nuclear Submarine Sank During Mysterious Incident in Wuhan
27th September 2024
The mysterious incident that TWZ previously reported that occurred at China’s Wuchang Shipyard in the spring of this year resulted in the sinking of the country’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine, according to U.S. officials. The boat in question, originally identified as a conventionally powered submarine, was the first of the new Type 041 Zhou class SSNs.
Citing unnamed U.S. officials, a report in The Wall Street Journal today describes an attempt by the Chinese authorities to cover up the accident, involving a submarine “likely” carrying nuclear fuel when it sank. The boat had been undergoing its final fitting out before going to sea.
“American officials haven’t detected any indication that Chinese officials have sampled the water or nearby environment for radiation,” the article continues. “It is possible Chinese personnel were killed or injured when the sub sank, but U.S. officials say they don’t know if there were casualties.”
“Nice submarine you got there. Be a real shame if anything happened to it.”