The USS George Washington Incident: A Collision in the South China Sea

Name: The USS George Washington Incident: A Collision in the South China Sea
Start: 1961-04-09
Location: Unspecified

The Collision of USS George Washington and Nisso Maru

On February 10, 1981, a significant maritime incident occurred in the South China Sea, when the USS George Washington, a Nuclear Submarine of the US Navy, collided with the Japanese freighter Nisso Maru. This incident stirred international attention due to the severe implications regarding naval safety and international maritime relations.

The USS George Washington

Commissioned in 1961, the USS George Washington (SSBN-598) was the first of her class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Entering service during the height of the Cold War, her mission was vital for the US Navy in presenting a strategic deterrent against nuclear threats. She became a symbol of maritime strength and technological advancement.

The Nisso Maru

The Nisso Maru, a civilian freighter, was engaged in commercial shipping in the vital shipping lanes of the South China Sea. On that fateful day, she was sailing in routine operations, transporting goods while under the command of her civilian crew. The unexpected encounter with a nuclear submarine drastically altered her fate.

The Aftermath of the Collision

The aftermath of the collision was catastrophic for the Nisso Maru. The freighter sank rapidly following the impact, leading to the loss of several lives among her crew members. The incident raised alarm bells regarding maritime safety protocols, especially involving naval vessels operating in crowded shipping lanes.

Impact on Maritime Safety

This tragic incident highlighted the pressing need for enhanced awareness and communication between military and civilian maritime operations. Following the event, protocols were reviewed and revised to mitigate risks posed by such collisions, improving navigational safety in the South China Sea.

The Response

In the US, the Navy launched an investigation into the mishap, assessing both the actions of the USS George Washington and the state of maritime regulations. The incident ultimately influenced naval operational procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Fun Fact

Unexpected Consequences of the Incident

Interestingly, this collision was one of the first major incidents that highlighted the potential dangers of modern naval warfare juxtaposed with civilian maritime activities, altering how naval exercises would be approached in heavily trafficked waters.