Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 8, 1990 TAG: 9005080678
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short
Five of the sailors had injuries serious enough to require evacuation to shore, Capt. Paul Hanley, a U.S. Atlantic Fleet spokesman, said.
The Conyngham was conducting routine operations with about 360 crew members when the fire broke out at 5:35 a.m. in the ship's engineering area, officials said. Fleet spokesmen had no information on the extent of the blaze or damage to the ship.
Hanley said three Coast Guard cutters were standing by along with the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and the destroyer USS Briscoe as the Conyngham crew fought the blaze.
"The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The primary fire is out. The crew is fighting secondary fires," Air Force Maj. Tom Johnston, joint duty officer at the Norfolk naval base, said at mid-morning.
Three of the injured had arrived at a hospital and were listed in good condition. One had smoke inhalation and second-degree burns on his hands. A second had second-degree burns to his face and forearms. A third had head and face injuries, apparently from a fall, said Rhonda Hoover, a spokeswoman at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Hanley said the ship was able to move under its own power toward port at about 3 mph. Navy officials said the ship would reach the Norfolk Naval Station late this afternoon.
by CNB