Massive multinational search and rescue effort comes to a close off Singapore
The US Navy has taken the decision to stop searching waters around Singapore for the missing eight seafarers following Monday’s deadly collision between a destroyer and a Greek tanker. Instead, divers will focus on the flooded compartments of the destroyer, USS John S. McCain. Divers earlier this week found the remains of two American sailors on a flooded part of the destroyer.
A multinational search and rescue team had fanned out across 5,524 sq km off Singapore this week in a bid to find the missing men.
Andrew Tan, chief executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said, “As the co-ordinating agency for the four-day search and rescue efforts, MPA thanks all personnel from participating nations who worked tirelessly with the Singapore agencies to assist the US Navy. We would like to express our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased US Navy crew, and wish the injured crew speedy recovery.”
The Stealth Maritime-controlled Alnic MC tanker, meanwhile, has had its cargo syphoned off and awaits repairs in Singapore.