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Singapore launches safety probe into US warship collision

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) has launched a marine safety investigation following the collision of the USS John S McCain warship and Liberian-flagged tanker Alnic MC in Singapore territorial waters on Aug 21.

The damaged port aft hull of USS John S. McCain, is seen while docked at Singapore's Changi naval base. Photo: AP

The damaged port aft hull of USS John S. McCain, is seen while docked at Singapore's Changi naval base. Photo: AP

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SINGAPORE — The Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) has launched a marine safety investigation following the collision of the USS John S McCain warship and Liberian-flagged tanker Alnic MC in Singapore territorial waters on Aug 21.

The bureau is conducting the investigation “in accordance with the International Maritime Organisation’s Casualty Investigation Code in Singapore’s capacity as a coastal state”, said a TSIB spokesperson on Thursday (Aug 31) in response to media queries.

The United States Coast Guard and the Liberia Maritime Authority are participating in the Singapore-led safety investigation as “substantially interested states”.

Crew members of the Liberian oil tanker have been interviewed by the joint investigators, and the TSIB has also obtained voyage and ship data from Alnic MC, as well as surrounding ships, at the time of the collision.

TSIB, which is Singapore’s air and marine accidents and incidents investigation authority under the Ministry of Transport, has also been coordinating with the US Coast Guard to gather statements from the crew of USS John S McCain.

The findings will be published once the investigation is completed, added the TSIB spokesperson.

On Tuesday, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai announced separately that his ministry was launching its own investigation into the incident.

The USS John S McCain was on its way to Singapore for a routine visit when it collided with the Alnic MC, a chemical and oil tanker about three times the size of the guided-missile destroyer. 

The collision, which claimed the lives of 10 US sailors, occurred as the McCain was preparing to enter the Singapore Strait, one of the world’s most congested waterways.

The bodies of eight sailors were recovered by US Navy and Marine divers on Monday, following the discovery of two bodies last week.

It was the second such deadly accident in two months, after a US destroyer collided with a cargo ship off Japan in June, and the fourth accident involving an American warship in the Pacific this year.

Following the McCain incident, the US Navy removed the commander of the Seventh Fleet, Vice-Admiral Joseph Aucoin, saying it had lost confidence in his leadership. 

Rear Adm Phillip Sawyer takes command of the fleet from Vice-Adm Aucoin, who was due to step down this month.

The US Navy also planned temporary and staggered halts in operations across its global fleet to allow staff to focus on safety.

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