The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) informed in an updated statement that it continues Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, to locate the 10 crew who are unaccounted for, after collision of US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer John S. McCain with the oil tanker Alnic MC, in the early hours of August 21.
In total, some 250 personnel from the various Singapore agencies were deployed on scene for the SAR operations. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) deployed one frigate, two patrol vessels, two Super Pumas and one Chinook helicopter, while the PCG deployed two patrol vessels. As of 1800 hours, five sorties have been carried out. In addition, MPA has been issuing hourly navigational broadcasts to advise passing vessels of the incident and requested them to keep a lookout for any persons in the water.
Indonesian authorities also help in the research, with a helicopter to search the northern coast line of Bintan island, Indonesia. The US also deployed their own assets to take part in the ongoing SAR efforts.
MPA’s chief executive Andrew Tan said everyone is working closely to assure that no effort will be spared to search for the missing sailors.
John S. McCain is currently berthed at Changi Naval Base (CNB) and Alnic MC is now at Singapore’s eastern anchorage for inspections.
“Our thoughts are with the injured and families of the US Navy crew who are currently still missing following the incident in Singapore territorial waters. The Singapore authorities will spare no effort to try to find them, and render all possible assistance to our US friends,” said Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA.
According to MPA, efforts continued through the night at sea with Republic of Singapore Navy and PCG vessels deployed, even as the US investigates the damaged interior of John S. McCain.
The US warship was on its way to Singapore for a routine port visit, when it collided with the tanker, which is more than three times its potential weight. John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side and requested for tug assistance, while ALNIC MC sustained damage to her Fore Peak Tank 7m above the waterline, with no crew injuries.
Five sailors onboard John S. McCain suffered non-life threatening injuries and were medically evacuated by a Republic of Singapore Navy Puma helicopter to a hospital in Singapore.
