Collision in the Mediterranean: US aircraft carrier and Panamanian ship sustain damage
An unusual collision occurred in the Mediterranean Sea involving the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS "Harry S. Truman" (CVN-75) and the bulk carrier Besiktas-M, which sails under the Panamanian flag. Both vessels sustained damage.
The Sixth Fleet Command reported the incident. According to the available information, the collision occurred near the Egyptian city of Port Said. The bulk carrier Besiktas-M was also involved in the incident.
This vessel sails under the Panamanian flag, with a length of approximately 188 metres and a width of 32 metres. The available photos show that both vessels sustained damage.
The bulk carrier sustained damage from a starboard side impact near the ship's bow. The vessel was en route to the Romanian port of Constanța, where it was scheduled to arrive on February 18 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Damage to the American aircraft carrier
The damage to the aircraft carrier appears to be minor. A photo released by the Pentagon shows slight damage to the above-water section of the ship near one of the three elevators used for transporting aircraft from the hangar to the ship's deck.
According to information provided by the US authorities, no injuries resulted from the collision, and the ship's nuclear propulsion system was not damaged in any way. An investigation is being conducted into the circumstances of the collision.
USS "Harry S. Truman" aircraft carrier
The USS "Harry S. Truman" is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of the Nimitz-class vessels. The ship is currently participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian, which aims to secure navigation in the Middle East against Houthi attacks.
USS "Harry S. Truman" entered service in 1998. The ship is about 333 metres long, displaces roughly 113,000 metric tonnes and is powered by two A4W reactors. Its air group consists of about 90 planes and helicopters. The main striking force includes the F/A-18E Super Hornet multi-role aircraft stationed on the ship. The vessel also tested the experimental Northrop Grumman X-47B drones.
