10 sailors missing after USS John S. McCain collides with oil tanker
The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain is seen damaged after a collision, off Johor, Malaysia, in this handout picture dated Mon., Aug. 21, 2017.
ROYAL MALAYSIAN NAVY VIA REUTERS
Last Updated Aug 21, 2017 2:35 AM EDT
The USS John S. McCain, a guided-missile destroyer, was involved in a collision early Monday with a oil tanker east of Singapore and the Strait of Malacca resulting in damage to its port side aft (left rear), according to the U.S. Navy.
Search and rescue efforts are underway, U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet says. Officials say 10 sailors are missing and five are injured. They say that 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 did not require further medical attention, according to officials.
The Singaporean Navy is sending assets to assist and the USS America is en route to help. The collision was reported at 6:24 a.m. local time, the U.S. Navy says.
The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain is seen damaged after a collision in Singapore waters on Mon., August 21, 2017.
REUTERS
"In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Gallant, RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark are currently in the area to render assistance," the Navy's statement read.
USS John S. McCain is sailing under her own power and is heading to port, the Navy added.
A map shows the location where the Alnic MC vessel came to a halt after a collision with the USS John S. McCain on Mon., Aug. 21, 2017.
REUTERS
Senator John McCain sent the following message on Twitter in response: "Cindy & I are keeping America's sailors aboard the USS John S McCain in our prayers tonight."
