The USS John S. McCain conducts a patrol in the South China Sea, Jan. 22, 2017, while supporting security efforts in the region. Navy photo by Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class James Vazquez (Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Vazquez)

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.

Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft.

Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities.

