U.S. Nuclear Sub Collides With Japanese Ship

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2007 — -- The Navy confirmed that the attack submarine USS Newport News collided in the Persian Gulf with a Japanese merchant vessel.

There are no injuries reported on either vessel, and there was no significant damage to either vessel to affect their maneuverability, a Navy spokeswoman said.

The nighttime collision occurred as the submarine was submerged.

There is no indication as to which vessel is to blame for the collision, the spokeswoman said.

Since the collision, the sub has surfaced in the Gulf and is awaiting daylight to get a better damage assessment, according to the Navy.

The USS Newport News, a Los Angelese Class attack submarine, is nuclear-powered, but does not carry nuclear missiles.

The sub is part of the Eisenhower Strike Group, a collection of cruisers and destroyers attached to the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower, which has been deployed to the Gulf.

ABC News has confirmed that the carrier was recently sent off the coast of Somalia to assist with security operations there should top al Qaeda operatives seek to flee that country by sea.