The US Navy has confirmed the death of all 10 sailors who went missing after one of its guided-missile destroyers, the USS John S. McCain, collided with a tanker in waters off Singapore last week.
The Navy said on Monday that it had recovered the remains of all 10 sailors. It said they were aged between 20 and 39 and included electronics technicians and interior communications electricians.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is still underway.
The destroyer is part of the US 7th Fleet based in Yokosuka, near Tokyo.
Another Aegis destroyer of the 7th Fleet, the USS Fitzgerald, collided with a container ship off Japan’s Pacific coast in June, leaving 7 sailors dead. The commander of the 7th Fleet was dismissed last week.
Observers in the United States say the Navy has been operating its vessels more frequently because of North Korea’s ballistic missiles launches and China’s maritime activities.
Source and image: NHK
Join the Conversation