An air-cushioned landing craft prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York in the Atlantic Ocean. l Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lyle Wilkie, US Navy.An air-cushioned landing craft prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York in the Atlantic Ocean. l Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lyle Wilkie, US Navy.
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30 sailors and Marines injured off Jacksonville coast

Published on May 3, 2024 at 2:18 pm
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A training incident involving two hovercrafts this week off the Jacksonville coast injured 30 sailors and Marines.

The incident, about 100 nautical miles off the coast, involved a collision between two landing craft, air cushions — vehicles used for transporting personnel, weapons and equipment from ships to a beach.

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Five of the 30 injured were transported to a hospital in Savannah for further treatment, the U.S. Navy said in a statement Friday. Four have since been released and one remains hospitalized for treatment.

The Navy did not provide a condition update for the hospitalized sailor. The sailors and Marines with minor injuries were treated at sea.

The Navy said both vehicles remained afloat and returned to their ships. An investigation into the collision continues.

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Naval Station Mayport said no sailors or resources from Mayport were involved or responded.

The two landing craft, air cushions that were involved were from the USS Wasp and the USS New York. Both ships are based in Norfolk, Virginia.


author image Reporter, WJCT News 89.9 email Steven Ponson has six years of experience covering news in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Prior to arriving on the First Coast, Steven also worked in radio in Orlando. He attended the University of Central Florida where he earned a degree in radio and television. Steven has been a reporter, producer, anchor and board operator. Outside of work, Steven loves to watch sports, cook delicious cajun food (as any good Louisiana native does) and spend time outdoors.

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