TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Navy, together with Malaysia and Singapore, extended the search for ten US sailors who went missing following a collision involving the USS John S. McCain and tanker Alnic MC in the Singaporean waters on Monday.
“We also deployed small boats, including local fishermen, to safe areas,” Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said in Jakarta today, August 23.
Gatot said that the search was based on the sea water flow during the incident. He confirmed that the Singaporean waters are prone to ship collision since the territory is the most congested sea traffic in the world.
Earlier, the US Navy announced that ten of its members went missing after a US battle ship collided with a tanker in the eastern part of Singapore on Monday. Three other sailors were injured during the collision.
The Tanjungpinang Naval Base and the Western Sea Security Command immediately provided assistances.
“We deployed Indonesian ships Cucut-886 and Parang-647, as well as Helicopter 409 and patrol squad, to search and rescue the victims,” Tanjungpinang Naval Base spokesperson Maj. Josdy Damopolii said on Monday.
