US Navy vessel sinks at Navy Yard in Philadelphia

A U.S. Navy vessel sank while docked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on Monday morning, prompting an investigation and salvage operations. Local news captured footage of the boat partially submerged near South 26th Street and Langley Avenue in Philadelphia.

In an update provided on Tuesday morning, Navy officials stated that the vessel began sinking at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Monday. While the Navy has not disclosed the vessel’s name, they confirmed that it is part of their fleet.

A spokesperson for the Navy said that the incident is under review and that plans for salvage operations are underway.

To mitigate potential environmental risks, a containment boom has been placed around the vessel to prevent any discharge of pollutants into surrounding waters. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard holds historical significance as the first United States Navy shipyard, operating for nearly two centuries before the U.S. Navy scaled back its activities in the 1990s. Following recommendations by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, the Navy closed most of its operations at the site. In 2000, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, acting on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, acquired the site and initiated its redevelopment.

Now known as The Navy Yard, the area has transformed into a large mixed-use campus. It hosts more than 120 companies across various industries, including cell therapy production, global fashion, and commercial shipbuilding, employing nearly 15,000 people.

Despite the redevelopment, the U.S. Navy maintains a Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility and some engineering activities at the site. This facility serves as a holding area for decommissioned naval vessels awaiting their final disposition.

As of 2023, the facility housed at least 19 decommissioned vessels, including the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) aircraft carrier. The cause of the recent sinking remains under investigation, and further updates are expected as the Navy’s review continues.

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