US warship collides with oil tanker, 10 sailors missing
US Navy destroyer USS John McCain has collided with a Liberian-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Singapore, leaving 10 sailors missing and another five injured. The collision happened as the warship prepared to perform a routine port stop at Singapore. The warship has "sustained damage." Search-and-rescue operations have been launched. This is the second serious collision involving a US warship in recent months.
US Navy warship collides off Japan's coast, 7 sailors dead
On June 17, at least seven US Navy personnel aged between 19 and 37 died after the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with the merchant vessel ACX Crystal. The sailors were asleep in the ship's lower deck, which got flooded during the collision that took place early morning. The warship, one of the world's most advanced ones, further suffered heavy damage on its starboard side.
USS Fitzgerald: US Navy initiates disciplinary action against senior leadership
Following an initial investigation into the USS Fitzgerald collision incident, the US Navy conveyed on August 18 that disciplinary action would be initiated against the warship's senior leadership. The destroyer had collided with Filipino vessel, ACX Crystal in the Sea of Japan in June. Admiral Bill Moran, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations conveyed that the Navy has lost confidence in their leadership abilities.
Warship's namesake Senator John McCain offers prayers for sailors
Search-and-Rescue operations ongoing
The US warship has reportedly suffered damage to its port side. The US Navy said it's heading to Singapore's port under its own power. The search-and-rescue efforts are being led by US military helicopters, the Singaporean navy and coast guard and Malaysian assets. The waterways surrounding Singapore and Strait of Malacca are among the world's busiest in terms of commercial traffic.
Status of oil tanker and its crew remains unclear
Few details are available about the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Alnic MC, and its crew. The vessel weighs 30,000-tonnes, around thrice that of the USS John McCain. The tanker was reportedly "ballasting," indicating that it wasn't loaded with oil cargo, around the time of the collision.
