Malaysia launches search and rescue (SAR) mission to save 10 missing crewmembers of the United States’ guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain, which collided with a merchant vessel MV-Alnic MC in east Johor waters. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Marine Department and Malaysian Marine police force are involved in the SAR mission.
Malaysian maritime director general Zulkifli Abu Bakar said the SAR operation, which was activated at about 8.45am local time was to save the crew of the USS John S. McCain at the 4.5 nautical miles of Northern Patches, Ramunia Bay, Johor.
Maritime Malaysia has deployed the KM Mulia vessel and two boats, Petir 12 and Penggalang 39 to the scene to locate and save the lost crew.
The USS John S. McCain vessel is now reportedly arriving in Sembawang, Singapore. The left side of the vessel is damaged, 10 crew members is missing and five injured after the collision.
The US navy ship (9,000 tonnes, length 505 feet) collided with Liberia’s oil and chemical tanker Alnic MC (30,000 tonnes, length 600 feet).
This is the second incident involving a US Navy destroyer in Asian waters in two months.
Meanwhile, Singapore Navy has deployed RSS Galiant and RSS Resilience while Singapore Police Coast Guard deploying Basking Shark. A helicopter from USS John S. McCain is also at the scene to find the missing crew. Indonesia also announced its participation in the SAR mission by sending KRI Parang and KRI Cucuk from the Indonesian Navy.
On August 17, 2017, Malaysian Maritime has shipped Bombardier CL 415 and Petir 12 boat together with four ships appointed by the Malaysian Marine Department contractor to carry SAR involving two vessels crashing Chemroad Mega vessel with Sinica Graeca at the waters of Northern Patches, Ramunia Bay, Johor.
“Malaysian Maritime will conduct more frequent monitoring and inspections in this area, following the two collisions,” Zulkifli added.