News - Middle East: Two senior officers of a US nuclear-powered submarine that struck an underwater mountain last month in the South China Sea have been fired, the US Navy said in a statement.

The action was taken by Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander of the Japan-based US 7th Fleet, on Thursday against Cmdr. Cameron Aljilani as commanding officer and Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Cashin as executive officer.

Master Chief Sonar Technician Cory Rodgers, who served as a senior adviser to the commander and the executive officer, was also relieved from his duties.

The senior officers of the fast-attack submarine were removed from their positions “due to a loss of confidence”, according to a statement by the Japan-based US 7th Fleet.

“Thomas determined sound judgement, prudent decision-making and adherence to required procedures in navigation planning, watch team execution and risk management could have prevented the incident,” the statement noted.

The incident took place on October 2 when a Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut crashed against an "object" in the South China Sea, with around a dozen sailors getting injured.

It was not reported by the US Navy until five days later, after the vessel had left the South China Sea.

The details about the accident and the extent of damage to the vessel are still not known, although the US Navy has said the submarine's nuclear reactor and propulsion system were not damaged.