Shipyard Worker Shocked on USS Topeka

A Portsmouth Naval Shipyard worker was hurt by an electrical shock on board the USS Topeka submarine Wednesday morning, according to shipyard officials.

Gary Hildreth, a shipyard public information officer, said the incident happened at 11 a.m. when the shipyard worker said he may have received a minor electrical shock. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard firefighters responded to the scene and transported the worker via ambulance to a nearby medical facility as a precaution. The incident remains under investigation.

This was the second incident that occurred on board the USS Topeka this week. (SSN 754) at about 11:30 a.m. He said shipyard firefighters responded to the blaze that was burning in the forward part of the submarine and put it out quickly.

According to Hildreth, the fire was caused when a temporary electrical service panel was being relocated and a cable sparked resulting in a nearby plastic cover igniting. There were no personnel injuries.

and is currently undergoing an engineered overhaul. The Navy nuclear submarine is currently located in Dry Dock 3, Hildreth said.