Nuclear subs collide

[Tom Dunlap]

When we go back and dissect an accident scene there is always the consideration for how likely the accident could be experienced. Head and eye injuries are common so we require helmets and glasses 100% of the time. There are some 'freak' accidents that happen because some wildly unlikely conditions come together.

Nuclear subs are the most complex pieces of machinery that humans have ever constructed. More complex than space craft. Triple redundant systems can fail too.

Or...in this case, the safety systems may have been so good that the two subs didn't even see each other. How can this happen in all the volume of the oceans? To me, this brings a new definition to the word 'accident'.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7892294.stm

 

[Chum]

It's fine now and there is no danger of anything bad happening, the water is safe to drink.

 

[tomthetreeman]

I was listening to this story on NPR today, and the reporter said something that made me laugh out loud... She said (with a British accent)...

"It is difficult to imagine that in a body of water as large as the Atlantic, how this could have possibly happened."

I know the story isn't funny, but that line was so matter of fact that I couldn't help but laugh.

-Tom