Destroyer USS John S. McCain crashes in Singapore, ten missing
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Ten American sailors went missing and five were injured on Monday after the warship collided with an oil tanker off the coast of Singapore, AFP reports.
According to US Navy officials, USS John McCain hit merchant vessel Alnic MC near the straits of Malacca around 5:25 am local time.
Singaporean, Malaysian and US search and rescue teams, consisting of patrol ships, helicopters and tug boats, were deployed to the area to look for missing crew, as announced by Malaysian Chief of Navy on Twitter
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US 7th fleet Public Affairs stated that there are currently 10 Sailors missing and five harmed. Four of the injured were evacuated by a Republic of Singapore Navy Puma helicopter and hospitalized in Singapore for non-life threatening injuries, mentioning that the fifth injured sailor did not require medical attention.
“The ship is currently sailing under its own power and heading to Changi Naval Base. At this point, no fuel or oil is visible on the water’s surface near the ship,” officials added. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) also reported no pollution.
MPA said in a statement for Channel NewsAsia that Singapore is leading search and rescue efforts, and it is “rendering all possible assistance” by sending three tug boats to assist on the US ship’s request, it said.
The Alnic MC sustained damage to her fore peak tank 7m above the waterline, with no crew injuries.
Both ships were on their way to Singapore for damage assessment, the MPA added.
It is the second accident involving an American warship in two months.
The incident happens four days after the top two officers aboard a destroyer during a deadly collision off the coast of Japan on June 17, were relieved of their duties.
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At that time, USS Fitzgerald collided with Philippine cargo ship MV ACX Crystal about 100 km from Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, killing seven US sailors and injuring three.
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