Search and rescue ops for sailors missing after US warship collision suspended

SINGAPORE — The United States Navy has suspended a search and rescue mission for the American sailors who have been missing since Monday’s collision between the USS John S McCain and an oil tanker in Singapore territorial waters.

Following the American decision, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said a statement on Thursday (Aug 24) night: “With the announcement by the US Navy to focus on search and recovery efforts on USS John S McCain for the missing sailors, Singapore has decided to suspend the multi-agency search and rescue operation from 2100 hrs on 24 August 2017. 

“Singapore will continue to support the US Navy in their search on USS John McCain. The incident is under investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the collision.”

The Singapore-coordinated search and rescue efforts with the US, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia covered 5,524 sqkm and involved more than 300 personnel from various Singapore agencies over the past four days. 

A statement by the Seventh Fleet on Thursday night said that US Navy and Marine Corps divers will continue search and recovery efforts inside flooded compartments in the ship for those who are unaccounted for. 

The remains of one sailor have been recovered while nine others were still missing Thursday night. 

Five sailors were injured in the collision — four of whom were taken to a Singapore hospital for treatment. They have since been released. None of the oil tanker’s crew were hurt.

The commander of the Seventh Fleet was relieved of his duties on Wednesday following the collision and other accidents this year that raised questions about its Pacific operations.

Seven sailors died in June when the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship off Japan. Two lesser-known incidents occurred earlier in the year.

In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen wrote: “The US Navy has decided to suspend search and rescue missions for the USS John S McCain. The SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) respects their decision and will also suspend our efforts, together with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Police Coast Guard.

“This has been a tragic event. I know it has been hard even for seasoned commanders, especially when their men may be lost at sea. 

“It will take time for the full recovery of the remains on board the USS John S McCain.” 

He added that the incident showed the enormous goodwill and camaraderie that exists among friends.

The minister thanked all personnel from the SAF, Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and MPA “who spent many hours painstakingly scanning the seas and supporting the operation”. 

He thanked Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia for joining the search, adding: “Finally, my thanks go to the US Navy, who despite this tragedy conducted themselves with utmost professionalism and steadfastness. 

“I know that they were in pain over their lost shipmates at sea, but acquitted themselves admirably in their demeanour and conduct. 

“I wish all the crew of the USS John S McCain and the US Navy our support as they recover their morale. 

“On behalf of the SAF and Ministry of Defence, Singapore, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”

CREWMAN'S REMAINS IDENTIFIED, NINE MISSING

United States Navy divers participating in search and recovery efforts on the USS John S McCain have recovered the remains of one sailor, while nine others have yet to be accounted for.  

A statement by the Seventh Fleet last night identified the remains as those of Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kenneth Aaron Smith, 22, from New Jersey. 

Smith’s father, stepmother and grandfather had served in the United States Navy. 

Before his remains were recovered, his mother, Ms April Brandon, had said: “His father and I couldn’t be prouder of our son. He’s a great kid. He’s a hero.”

Earlier on Thursday, the Americans said a body found at sea by the Malaysian navy was not one of the missing sailors.

Those missing are: 
• Electronics Technician 1st Class Charles Nathan Findley, 31, from Missouri
 • Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Abraham Lopez, 39, from Texas
 • Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kevin Sayer Bushell, 26, from Maryland
 • Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jacob Daniel Drake, 21, from Ohio
 • Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Timothy Thomas Eckels Jr, 23, from Maryland
 • Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Corey George Ingram, 28, from New York
 • Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dustin Louis Doyon, 26, from Connecticut
 • Electronics Technician 3rd Class John Henry Hoagland III, 20, from Texas
 • Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Logan Stephen Palmer, 23, from Illinois