NEW LONDON, Conn., July 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy says two cracks found on the hull of the USS Toledo could have resulted in the submarine facing hull failure while submerged.
The Newport News (Va.) Daily Press said the Navy confirmed Tuesday that a 21-inch topside hull crack and a 1-inch pressure hull crack were found on the Los Angeles-class submarine while it was at a Navy facility in New London, Conn.
Navy spokesman Alan Baribeau said the cause of the cracks is unknown, but an investigation into the matter is under way.
Lt. Patrick Evans, spokesman for Connecticut's Submarine Group 2, said inspections and testing on other submarines will take place once the cause of the hull cracks has been discovered.
Since submarines require an airtight pressure hull, the cracks could have resulted in water leaks in the Toledo and possible hull failure should the naval vessel been submerged, the report said.
The Daily Press said while the investigation into the cracks is taking place, the USS Toledo will remain pier side and undergo repairs.
