A US guided-missile destroyer, the USS John S. McCain, has “sustained damaged” after collision with a merchant vessel while on a routine port visit to Singapore, the US Navy has said.
“Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft,” the US Navy said, noting that the incident happened while “the ship was transiting to a routine port visit in Singapore.”
The US warship reportedly hit AN Alnic MC vessel.
“The extent of damage and personnel injuries is being determined,” the statement said. The damage to the merchant vessel is also yet unknown.
Our first priority is determining the safety of the ship and crew. As more information is learned, we will share it. https://t.co/E7j7CvKE2b
— Adm. John Richardson (@CNORichardson) August 21, 2017
Although the US warship is sailing on its own power and heading to port, the navy announced that a search-and-rescue mission was under way in coordination with local authorities.
Tug boats, coast guard and Singapore navy vessels and helicopters are all involved in the rescue efforts, in addition to MV-22s and SH-60s aircraft from the USS America.
Admiral John Michael Richardson, who currently serves as the 31st Chief of Naval Operations, said the Navy’s top priority was “determining the safety of the ship and crew,” promising to share more details of the incident when it becomes available.
Meanwhile, Senator John Sidney McCain III, after whose father and grandfather – both US admirals – the vessel was named, tweeted words of support to America’s sailors.
Cindy & I are keeping America’s sailors aboard the USS John S McCain in our prayers tonight – appreciate the work of search & rescue crews https://t.co/jzk9giXbfg
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) August 21, 2017
The USS John McCain is an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer attached to the US Navy’s 7th Fleet. Its home port is Yokosuka, Japan.
The merchant vessel Alnic is 182 meters (600 feet) long and has a dead weight of 50,760 tons, the Washington Post reported. The ship has a 30,000+ ton oil/chemical tank and was built in 2007. The Alnic sails under the Liberian flag and is reportedly operated by Stealth Maritime Corporation S.A.
