Two U.S. Navy Ships Collide in Pacific; Vessels Damaged, No Injuries Reported
CNN www.cnn.com
July 14, 2000

Accident occurs west of Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (CNN) -- Two U.S. Navy ships collided in the Pacific Ocean, causing serious damage to the vessels but no injuries, the Navy said Friday.

The collision between the USS Denver, an amphibious assault ship, and the refueling tanker USNS Yukon occurred at about 6:16 p.m. Thursday about 180 miles west of Hawaii during "refueling operations," according to Navy Lt. Meggan Mariman.

She told CNN that there is serious damage to both ships and that they are headed for port in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for repairs.

The Denver is expected to arrive Friday, while the Yukon will not arrive until "sometime over the weekend," Merriman said.

She said that neither of the ships is leaking fuel or oil in the aftermath of the crash.

The Yukon had pulled up alongside the Denver and was transferring fuel oil through large hoses when the accident occurred, the Navy said.

Merriman said the exact cause of the accident is under investigation.