US completes sub collision inquiry

The USS Greeneville went back to sea on Wednesday

The United States Navy has completed its inquiry into the sinking of a Japanese fishing ship by an American nuclear submarine two months ago.

Nine Japanese students and teachers on board the boat died in the collision, which happened when a civilian passenger was at the controls of the submarine.

Commander Waddle could face a court martial

The navy has 30 days to act on the results of the inquiry, which has been handed over to the navy high command, but a decision is expected well in advance of the deadline.

It is understood the inquiry has made recommendations on what charges should be brought and against whom.

But officials say that the report will not be made public.

Captain re-assigned

The three admirals who conducted the inquiry presented their findings to Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Thomas Fargo at the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii.

The three senior officers of the submarine, the USS Greeneville, could face courts-martial, disciplinary or other action.

The submarine's captain, Commander Scott Waddle, has been re-assigned to Pearl Harbor submarine staff pending the outcome of the inquiry.

Lieutenant Commander Gerald Pfeifer and Lieutenant Michael Coen are still assigned to the Greeneville, which returned to sea on Wednesday for the first time since the collision.

The submarine was demonstrating a rapid-surfacing drill for 16 civilian guests when it rammed the Japanese ship, the Ehime Maru, off Hawaii and sent it plunging to the ocean floor.

The vessel, carrying 35 people, was on an expedition to teach high school students about the commercial fishing trade.