After more than 80 hours of multinational search efforts, the U.S. Navy said it suspended search and rescue operations for USS John S. McCain sailors that went missing after the collision with the Liberian-flagged tanker Alnic MC.
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps divers will continue search and recovery efforts inside flooded compartments in the ship for the missing sailors.
Until now, the divers recovered the remains of one sailor, confirmed as Electronics Technician 3rd Class, Kenneth Aaron Smith, 22, from New Jersey.
Nine sailors are still missing.
The incident is under investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the collision, the Navy added.
The US Navy ship is berthed at Changi Naval Base and has reported significant damage to the hull, which resulted in flooding to nearby compartments, including crew berthing, machinery, and communications rooms. Further damage is still being assessed.
The Liberian-flagged oil/chemical tanker Alnic MC reached Singapore’s eastern anchorage for inspections on Monday.
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