10 missing and 5 injured after US destroyer warship collides with merchant ship east of S'pore

Ten sailors are missing after a US warship, the USS John S. McCain, collided with a tanker east of Singapore this morning (Aug 21).

The accident reportedly happened at 5.24am, just as the guided-missile destroyer was making its way to Singapore for a routine visit after a patrol in the South China Sea. 

The US 7th fleet said in an official statement that the USS John S. McCain had collided with the Alnico MC. 

The Singapore authorities are working together with the US Navy to conduct search and rescue operations for the missing personnel, north of Pedra Branca. 

The 7th Fleet added:

"In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Gallant (97), RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (55) are currently in the area to render assistance.”

Both US and Malaysia have also deployed aircraft and vessels to help with the search. 

It was also reported that five personnel were injured, and the warship suffered damage. 

The Straits Times reports that four of the five injured had been conveyed to a hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. 

The conditions of both ships will be accessed in Singapore, says the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).