The U.S.S. Harry S. Truman, actively participating in operations against Houthi forces in Yemen, struck the bulk carrier Besiktas-M in the Mediterranean Sea. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on either vessel, but the incident raises alarms about naval safety protocols following a history of previous collisions that resulted in significant losses.
U.S. Aircraft Carrier Collision Highlights Maritime Safety Concerns
U.S. Aircraft Carrier Collision Highlights Maritime Safety Concerns
A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier collided with a merchant ship near Egypt's Port Said, prompting investigations into safety protocols.
The U.S.S. Harry S. Truman was involved in an incident off Egypt, Navy officials confirm. Late Wednesday night, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier collided with the commercial vessel, Besiktas-M, while operating in the Mediterranean. Since its deployment under U.S. Central Command on December 14, the Truman has been conducting airstrikes against Houthi militia in Yemen, who are known for targeting civilian maritime traffic.
Although the Navy stated that there were no flooding or injuries aboard the Truman and that its nuclear propulsion systems remained stable, the incident sparked concerns over maritime safety, particularly in light of previous collisions involving Navy vessels. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this latest collision is currently underway.
The Besiktas-M, which sails under a Panamanian flag, was traveling from Aqaba in Jordan to Constanta in Romania at the time of the incident. The vessel tracking service reported no injuries among its crew either.
This collision marks a worrying trend as the U.S. Navy seeks to maintain its operational safety. In 2017, two serious accidents in the Western Pacific resulted in the loss of 17 sailors and highlighted systemic issues within naval leadership and crew training. Following those incidents, the Navy undertook a major safety review, leading to accountability measures for commanding officers.
As investigations proceed into this recent collision, it raises critical questions about the U.S. Navy's operational safety and the implications for maritime navigation in busy commercial routes.
Although the Navy stated that there were no flooding or injuries aboard the Truman and that its nuclear propulsion systems remained stable, the incident sparked concerns over maritime safety, particularly in light of previous collisions involving Navy vessels. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this latest collision is currently underway.
The Besiktas-M, which sails under a Panamanian flag, was traveling from Aqaba in Jordan to Constanta in Romania at the time of the incident. The vessel tracking service reported no injuries among its crew either.
This collision marks a worrying trend as the U.S. Navy seeks to maintain its operational safety. In 2017, two serious accidents in the Western Pacific resulted in the loss of 17 sailors and highlighted systemic issues within naval leadership and crew training. Following those incidents, the Navy undertook a major safety review, leading to accountability measures for commanding officers.
As investigations proceed into this recent collision, it raises critical questions about the U.S. Navy's operational safety and the implications for maritime navigation in busy commercial routes.
