Ten crew members are missing and five are injured, after the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) collided with the merchant vessel Alnic MC, while underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, on August 21, according to US Navy.
The collision was reported at 6:24 a.m. Japan Standard Time, while the ship was transiting to a routine port visit in Singapore, the Navy explained.
Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side and requested for tug assistance. ALNIC MC sustained damage to her Fore Peak Tank 7m above the waterline, with no crew injuries.
Four of the injured were medically evacuated by a Republic of Singapore Navy Puma helicopter to a hospital in Singapore for non-life threatening injuries. The fifth injured Sailor does not require further medical attention.
Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities. In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, RSN Fearless-class patrol ships RSS Gallant (97), RSS Resilience (82), RSN helicopters and Singaporean Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (55) are currently in the area to render assistance.
An MH-60S helicopter from the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) are in the area providing search and rescue assistance. An additional MH-60S helicopter and MV-22 Osprey are expected to arrive soon.
The Navy ship is currently sailing under its own power and heading to Changi Naval Base. There is no report of oil pollution around the ship and traffic in the Singapore Strait is unaffected.
MPA Singapore is investigating the causes of the incident.
Greek Stealth Maritime Corporation issued a press release to confirm that it is the managing company of the ALNIC MC tanker and stated:
“Stealth Maritime Corporation is cooperating fully with the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in its investigations as well as other responding agencies. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing US Navy sailors and we hope the injured personnel make a speedy and full recovery.”
On 17 June, the USS John S. McCain’s sister ship, the USS Fitzgerald, was hit by a Philippine container ship and almost sank, off Japan.
