US destroyer collides with merchant vessel east of Singapore: US navy

SINGAPORE – 21 August 2017: A US destroyer collided with a merchant vessel 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.

"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.