WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is assessing the damage after a partial dry-dock collapse at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard sent seawater through the hull cuts into the expeditionary sea base Miguel Keith that is under construction there, according to a statement from Naval Sea Systems Command provided to Defense News.
The July 11 incident occured after the barrier that keeps the water out of the dry dock collapsed, San Diego fire officials told ABC 10 News. There were no injuries.
The full extent of the damage caused is unknown, said NAVSEA spokeswoman Colleen O’Rourke, but the ship is stable.
“On July 11, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (GD-NASSCO) reported a flooding incident in its graving dock where Miguel Keith (ESB 5) is currently under construction,” the statement read. “The ship floated off the docking blocks and took on water through hull cuts that were made to support the ship’s construction and outfitting.
"The extent of damage to the ship will not be known until NASSCO and Navy personnel can fully assess the situation. Miguel Keith is currently in a safe and stable condition and all personnel are safe and accounted for.”
The ESB ships are designed to support foward forces carrying cargo, fuel, vehicles and other heavy equipment.
David B. Larter was the naval warfare reporter for Defense News.
