Ascending sub strikes ship in Mediterranean

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Navy submarine bumped a surface ship as it was ascending to periscope depth in the western Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, officials said.

No one aboard the submarine was injured, according to a statement released by the U.S. Sixth Fleet at Gaeta, Italy.

It was not immediately clear what vessel was struck by the submarine, the USS Oklahoma City. When the nuclear-power attack submarine reached the surface it spotted a merchant ship and attempted to make radio contact. The merchant ship did not respond, and, appearing in no need of assistance, it departed the area.

The sub continued to search for other ships in the area. The Navy said it would proceed to an unidentified port to inspect for damage and undertake repairs.