Two killed in fall from US submarine (This is really a weird story)

[trumad]

How the hell did this happen?

Two crew members from an American submarine died after falling overboard as the vessel left Devonport naval base in Plymouth. (Pic: Reuters)

Four members from the USS Minneapolis went overboard.

A rescue helicopter was called in from RNAS Culdrose along with the Plymouth lifeboat and a tug.

All four were brought in and taken to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth where two were pronounced dead.

The other two have since been released.

The identities of the deceased crew are not being released until their next next of kin have been informed.

http://www.itv.com/news/index_96b64a52d04c08f3df6b04bb957351ad.html

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. It is extremely cold water up there

so hypothermia must play a role here

RIP

[itsmesgd]

2. fall, jump, or push?

[evlbstrd]

3. If they got caught in the turbulence of the screws,

that's big trouble.

[Kingshakabobo]

4. Safety rails aren't high on the Navy's priority list when it comes to subs. n/t

[Shipwack]

8. Safety rails aren't needed if the sailors are properly tethered. nt

[DesertRat]

5. How tragic. n/t

[Taxloss]

6. I'm in Dorset right now.

Not near Plymouth, down the coast, visiting family. The Channel and Irish Sea are both rough at the moment - a helicopter out of Fleetwood went down in the Irish Sea yesterday, with the loss of all crew and passengers. Needless to say, it's cold, dark, and stormy this time of year.

It's a very sad story.

[MrCoffee]

7. Is it common for crew to be outside the sub when it leaves port?

[xultar]

9. They dont usually submerge until they reach deep

water. So, crews usually stand on top to wave goodbye.

nothing unusual about that.

[MrCoffee]

10. oh. well there you go. it's still a sad story.

[Shipwack]

11. Very common...

I'm not sure how far way they were from casting off lines, but there are many things to do topside as the boat leaves port. Everyone is supposed to be wearing a safety harness, though, that clips to a rail on the deck. If the water's rough you minimize the number out and about though.

It's possible that they were "manning the rails", which involves many of the crew standing at parade rest topside as the sub pulls out.

Two dead, two injured? Someone... no, at least two someones, really screwed up for four men to have fallen off the sub. My money is on it involving a stupid order from an officer, who was willing to compromise personnel safety for expediting leaving port, or for a photo op.

[xultar]

12. You are so correct.