10 sailors missing, 5 injured after US destroyer collides with merchant vessel off Singapore

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) joins a combined formation of twenty-six Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. ships from 7th Fleet form a formation for a photo exercise during the last day of Exercise Keen Sword 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cheng S. Yang/Released)
USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) joins a combined formation of twenty-six Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. ships from 7th Fleet form a formation for a photo exercise during the last day of Exercise Keen Sword 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cheng S. Yang/Released)

A US destroyer collided with a tanker east of Singapore on Monday and initial reports indicate it has sustained damage, the US Navy said, adding search and rescue efforts were under way.

10 sailors are currently missing, while five others are injured, according to the navy.

“The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Alnic MC while underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore on Aug. 21,” said a statement.

“Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft. Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities.”

The statement did not give further details.

The collision was reported at 5:24 am (2124 GMT Sunday) while the ship was heading for a routine port visit in Singapore, the statement said.



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