An example of the difficulties and dangers of submarine ops in littoral waters with heavy traffic. Unfortunately, this is probably another career-ending event:
Two U.S. Navy Vessels Collide in the Strait of Hormuz
Story Number: NNS090320-04
Release Date: 3/20/2009 11:08:00 AM
From Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship collided in the Strait of Hormuz March 20, 2009. The collision between USS Hartford (SSN 768) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18) occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. local time (5:00 p.m. EDT, March 19). Fifteen sailors aboard the Hartford were slightly injured and returned to duty. No personnel aboard New Orleans were injured. Overall damage to both ships is being evaluated. The propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision. New Orleans suffered a ruptured fuel tank, which resulted in an oil spill of approximately 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel marine. Both ships are currently operating under their own power. The incident is currently under investigation. Both the submarine and the ship are currently on regularly scheduled deployments to the U.S. Navy Central Command area of responsibility conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO).