Hunt for lost sailors
A MAJOR rescue attempt continues for 10 sailors missing after a US Navy destroyer collided with a tanker in the South China Sea.
Guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain collided with the merchant vessel Alnic east of Singapore near the Straits of Malacca early yesterday, the US Navy said.
“Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft,” it said.
“There are currently 10 sailors missing and five injured. Search and rescue efforts are under way in co-ordination with local authorities.
“The extent of damage and personnel injuries is being determined. The incident will be investigated.”
Four of the injured were medically evacuated by helicopter and the fifth did not need treatment.
The ship was making a rou- tine port visit to Singapore.
The ship was yesterday sailing under its own power and heading to port, although there were reports of flooding in several compartments.
“In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Gallant, RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark are currently in the area to render assistance,” the navy said. “MV-22s and SH-60s from USS America are also responding.”
The John S. McCain is based at the 7th Fleet’s home port of Yokosuka, Japan. It was commissioned in 1994 and has a crew of 23 officers, 24 chief petty officers and 291 enlisted sailors. The warship is 154m long and the Alnic MC is a 183m oil and chemical tanker.
It was the second accident involving an American warship in two months.
In June the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship, killing seven sailors and causing serious damage.
This month the John S. McCain was the source of tension between the US and China when it sailed near artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea.
It prompted the Chinese navy to warn off the destroyer, according to AFP reports about the August 11 incident.