A US warship and a refueling vessel collided during a replenishment-at-sea operation near South America, resulting in minor injuries to two sailors and prompting an investigation.
On Wednesday, a significant maritime incident occurred involving the US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply during a refueling operation in waters near South America. The two vessels collided while executing a standard replenishment-at-sea maneuver, where ships sail side by side to transfer fuel and supplies. This incident has raised concerns regarding the safety protocols during such operations, especially in busy maritime routes.
According to US Southern Command, two sailors sustained minor injuries but are reported to be in stable condition. Fortunately, both vessels have remained operational post-collision and were able to navigate safely, mitigating the potential for a more serious situation. Video footage reportedly captured the moment of the collision, indicating that both ships were still moving at the time of impact, which might shed light on how the accident occurred.
The exact location of the incident hasn't been explicitly disclosed, but the context of operations in busy maritime routes near South America suggests the need for enhanced navigational caution and operational reviews for US Navy vessels. This incident has prompted military officials to undertake an investigation, which could lead to revisions in navy protocols aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future, thus highlighting the importance of safety and training in maritime operations.
