Washington, Oct 8 (IANS): A nuclear-powered US Navy fast-attack submarine was damaged after it "struck an object" while it was underwater in the Indo-Pacific region on October 2, the US Pacific Fleet said in a statement.

The Seawolf-class submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) "remains in a safe and stable condition" and its "nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain fully operational", the statement said on Thursday.

"The extent of damage to the remainder of the submarine is being assessed. The US Navy has not requested assistance. The incident will be investigated," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

It added "there are no life-threatening injuries" from the accident.

A defence official told the US Naval Institute (USNI) News that about 11 sailors were hurt in the incident with moderate to minor injuries.

The US Pacific Fleet didn't disclose where the collision occurred, just saying the submarine was "operating in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region".

The ship has had to transit at the surface and is slated to arrive in Guam on Thursday, the Navy Times reported.

Connecticut is one of the three Seawolf-class subs of the US Navy, said USNI News, calling it one of the most capable and sensitive attack submarines.