Bodies found in search of tanker-collision destroyer

A search and rescue mission to find seven US sailors missing after an American destroyer collided with a merchant ship in waters off Japan has ended after bodies were found.

Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, commander of the US navy’s 7th Fleet, told reporters at a base in Yokosuka, Japan, that a number of bodies had been recovered, though he would not say how many.

The USS Fitzgerald sustained significant damage in the collision with Philippine-flagged ACX Crystal on Saturday at around 2.20am local time.

The bodies were found in flooded compartments yesterday after the Fitzgerald returned to the base in Yokosuka with the help of tug boats.

Searchers gained access to the spaces that were damaged during the collision and brought the remains to the Naval Hospital Yokosuka, where they will be identified.

The navy said families are being notified and provided with support during “this difficult time”.

The container ship has berthed at Tokyo’s Oi wharf, where officials have begun questioning crew members about the cause of the crash.

Admiral Aucoin said 116 crew members on the Fitzgerald were in two berthing rooms, most of them resting at the time of the collision.

The captain, Commander Bryce Benson, suffered a head injury.

Journalists observe the damaged USS Fitzgerald