USS John S. McCain was severely damaged after a collusion with an oil tanker three times its size – 10 missing sailors reported
After colliding with an oil tanker, the US Destroyer arrived at the Changi Naval Base in Singapore with a big hole in its side, just above the waterline.
At the same time, the 10 missing sailors are still searched for, as the collusion damaged the hull and flooded nearby compartments, including crew berthing, machinery, and communications rooms.
“Damage control efforts by the crew halted further flooding,” the 7th Fleet statement said
Unfortunately, this is the second time in only two months when a Navy destroyer has been involved in a collision at sea, both being extremely similar.
When the USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship south of Japan back in June, seven sailor were killed due to the fact that the berthing compartments were flooded.
The McCain was on its way to a routine port visit in Singapore, after patrolling in the South China Sea. Data shows that the Liberian-flagged merchant Alnic MC was also on its way to Singapore at the time of the collusion.
Even though the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra that connect that Pacific and Indian oceans are the world’s busiest shipping lanes, they are well governed.
Four sailors were evacuated from the McCain by a Singapore Armed Forces helicopter and are currently in a hospital, being treated for not life-threatening injuries.
When asked about the collision, President Trump responded: “That’s too bad.” Later Sunday night, Trump tweeted, “Thoughts & prayers are w/ our @USNavy sailors aboard the #USSJohnSMcCain where search & rescue efforts are underway.”
