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Two crew die in submarine tragedy Two crew die in submarine tragedy
(30 minutes later)
Two members of an American submarine have died after getting into trouble in Plymouth Sound. Two crew members of an American submarine have died after getting into trouble in Plymouth Sound.
They were among four crew who had become stuck on casing on the outside of the USS Minneapolis-St Paul and could not get back inside. They were among four crewmen washed overboard while working on the outside casing of the USS Minneapolis-St Paul in poor weather conditions.
A rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, a tug boat and a lifeboat were sent to the crew's aid while they were tied on to the side of the 110m (362ft) vessel.A rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, a tug boat and a lifeboat were sent to the crew's aid while they were tied on to the side of the 110m (362ft) vessel.
They were brought back to shore and taken by ambulance to hospital. The sailors were brought back to shore and taken by ambulance to hospital.
'Battered about''Battered about'
A spokesman for Brixham Coastguard said: "The four got into difficulties while on the outer casing of the submarine.A spokesman for Brixham Coastguard said: "The four got into difficulties while on the outer casing of the submarine.
"They were unable to get back on board, they were tied on but getting battered about by the weather. "They were unable to get back on board, they were tied on but getting battered about by the weather."
"A helicopter was launched along with the Plymouth lifeboat and a tug and they were brought in." Two of the men appeared to be breathing with difficulty and were given CPR as they approached the shore.
They were taken to Derriford hospital in Plymouth.
The two other men were transferred to the sick bay at the HMS Drake.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman confirmed two of the crew were pronounced dead on Friday afternoon and the coroner was being informed.A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman confirmed two of the crew were pronounced dead on Friday afternoon and the coroner was being informed.
The American nuclear-powered attack submarine, which is based in Norfolk, Virginia, has a crew of 110 and can reach speeds exceeding 25 knots (29mph). Its weapons include torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles. A joint investigation by police, the Ministry of Defence and the military has begun.
The American nuclear-powered attack submarine, which is based in Norfolk, Virginia, was leaving the harbour in Plymouth at the time of the incident and has since continued on its journey.
The Ministry of Defence said it could not comment on what the vessel was doing in British waters.The Ministry of Defence said it could not comment on what the vessel was doing in British waters.
However, submarines have to travel through the Sound to get to and from the city's Devonport Naval Base.However, submarines have to travel through the Sound to get to and from the city's Devonport Naval Base.
The submarine has a complement of 137 enlisted officers and crew and can reach speeds exceeding 25 knots (29mph). Its weapons include torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.