Search for US sailors lost in collision at sea

RESCUERS are searching for 10 missing sailors after a US Navy destroyer collided with a tanker in the South China Sea early yesterday.

Guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain collided with the merchant vessel Alnic MC east of Singapore near the Straits of Malacca, the navy said a statement.

“Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft,” the statement 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 ship was on its way to a routine port visit in Singapore, the navy said.

The ship is currently sailing under its own power and heading to port.

“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 in the area to render assistance,” the navy said. “MV-22s and SH-60s from USS America are also responding.”

It was the second accident involving an American warship in two months.

The destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship in June, leaving seven navy sailors dead 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 about the August 11 incident.

“China is strongly dissatisfied with this,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement, adding that Beijing would lodge an official protest with Washington.

The USS John S. McCain had sailed within six nautical miles of Mischief Reef — an artificial island built by China — as part of a “freedom of navigation” operation, a US official said.