UPDATE: USS John S. McCain Collides with Merchant Ship
3,875 views · Published 21 August 2017 · 10:14 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: Samuel Ezerzer · 2017 · News & Politics
UPDATE: USS John S. McCain Collides with Merchant Ship Story Number: NNS170820-01Release Date: 8/20/2017 7:38:00 PM A A A Email this story to a friend Print this story From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- UPDATE POSTED AUG. 20, 9:42 P.M. (EDT) http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=102034 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. There are currently 10 Sailors missing and five injured. The collision was reported at 6:24 a.m. Japan Standard Time, while the ship was transiting to a routine port visit in Singapore. A family assistance center has been established. Families can call 011-81-46-816-1728 (international) or 243-1728 (DSN on base). The ship is currently sailing under its own power and heading to port. Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities. In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, Republic of Singapore Navy Fearless-class patrol ships RSS Gallant (97), RSS Resilience (82), RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (55) are currently in the area to render assistance. MV-22s and SH-60s from USS America are also responding. Alnic MC is a 600-foot oil and chemical tanker with a gross tonnage of 30,000. Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft. The extent of damage and personnel injuries is being determined. The incident will be investigated. More information to follow.
