TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A top official on Wednesday (May 29) acknowledged that “some accidents” did occur to a Chinese submarine in the Taiwan Strait last year, despite previous denials. 

In August last year, the Ministry of National Defense denied rumors that a Chinese nuclear attack submarine had an accident that allegedly killed all crew members. During an interpellation session of the Legislative Yuan on Wednesday, National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥), became the first public official to acknowledge that a Chinese submarine had some problems last year, reported Tai Sounds. 

During the meeting, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wang Ting-Yu (王定宇) said the Daily Mail published a report in August alleging that a Chinese Type 093 (Shang-class) nuclear-powered attack submarine disappeared while the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was conducting exercises in the Taiwan Strait. 

In October, the newspaper cited “a secret U.K. report” as stating that the submarine had become trapped in an anti-submarine net in the Yellow Sea, and all crew members died after the vessel's oxygen system failed. 

There were subsequent reports of Chinese families unable to contact their military relatives, and the fleet commander being punished. At that time, a U.S. reconnaissance plane specialized in detecting nuclear subs reportedly flew close to the area, but there have been no subsequent reports on the alleged incident. 

Wang then asked whether the NSB had any information on the situation. Tsai responded with an awkward but polite smile, saying, "I have heard about this matter. To be honest, yes, we are aware of it." 

Tsai further explained that the general assessment suggests it was “probably not a serious shipwreck,” but “some accidents” did occur. Indicating the vessel is still intact, Tsai said the NSB has continued to track the submarine's position.