UPDATED: USS John McCain Collides with Merchant Tanker in the South China Sea; Ship Underway on its own Power 

 By: Sam LaGrone August 20, 2017 8:17 PM • Updated: August 20, 2017 8:40 PM USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) breaks away from the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) following a refueling-at-sea on June 17, 2017. US Navy Photo This story was updated with a statement from U.S. 7th Fleet. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer has collided with a merchant tanker in the South China Sea near Singapore, according to a Sunday statement from U.S. 7th Fleet. USS John McCain (DDG-56) collided with the Liberian-flagged tanker Alnic MC around 5:24 a.m. on Monday local time. The ship is now underway on its own power and heading into port. “Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft,” read the statement. “The extent of damage and personnel injuries is being determined. The incident will be investigated.” According to U.S. 7th fleet, Singapore Navy SS Gallant (97), RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (55) are rendering assistance. MV-22s and MH-60s from the America Amphibious Ready Group are also responding to the incident. The collision of McCain follows the June 17, collision between destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) and the merchant ship ACX Crystal. On Thursday 7th Fleet commander announced punishments for several crew members who were on duty when the early morning collision occurred. The following is the complete statement from 7th Fleet. SOUTH CHINA SEA – 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. The collision was reported at 6:24 a.m. Japan Standard Time, while the ship was transiting to a routine port visit in Singapore. The ship is currently sailing under its own power and heading to port. Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities. 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. MV-22s and SH-60s from USS America are also responding. Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft. The extent of damage and personnel injuries is being determined. The incident will be investigated.