US warship collides with oil tanker near Singapore, 10 people missing

The USS John S. McCain was damaged and 10 sailors were missing after colliding with an oil tanker while sailing east of Singapore.

The US guided-missile destroyer John S. McCain patrols the South China Sea in January. Photo: 7th Fleet.

The collision was reported at 5:24 a.m. Singapore time as the ship was sailing east of Singapore and the Strait of Malacca. It was passing through the area to make a routine port call in Singapore. Ten sailors were missing and five were injured in the collision, the US Navy said in a statement.

Initial reports indicate that the John S. McCain sustained damage to its port stern after colliding with the merchant vessel Alnic MC. A search and rescue operation is underway in coordination with local authorities, according to a statement from the 7th Fleet.

The Alnic MC is a 183-meter-long, 30,000-ton tanker that flies the Liberian flag, according to maritime trade websites. The John S. McCain is 153 meters long and has a displacement of about 9,000 tons.

In addition to tugs from Singapore, the patrol ship RSS Gallant and naval helicopters, the Singapore Police Coast Guard cutter is in the area to provide support. MV-22 aircraft and SH-60 helicopters from the amphibious assault ship America are also responding to the situation.

The John S. McCain is moving on its own, heading towards port, Reuters reported, citing a US Navy statement.

Oil tanker Alnic MC. Photo: Vesseltracker.

The accident comes two months after seven US sailors were killed when a destroyer collided with a merchant ship off the coast of Japan.

The John S. McCain, commissioned in 1994, was named after Senator McCain's father, John S. McCain, Jr., and his grandfather, John S. McCain Senior. They were the first father-son duo in U.S. Navy history to be promoted to the rank of admiral.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyer of the 7th Fleet, homeported at Yokosuka Naval Base, Yokosuka City, Japan. It is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.

"Cindy and I are praying tonight for the American sailors aboard the USS John S McCain and appreciate the work of the search and rescue teams," Senator McCain said on Twitter.

Location of the Strait of Malacca. Graphic: MaritimeSecurityReview.

According to VNE