Mediterranean mishap: USS Harry S. Truman collides with cargo ship
An unusual collision occurred in the Mediterranean Sea. The USS "Harry S. Truman" (CVN-75), an American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and the bulk carrier Besiktas-M, sailing under the Panamanian flag, were involved in the collision. Both vessels sustained damage.
The Sixth Fleet Command reported the incident. According to the available information, the collision occurred in the Mediterranean Sea near the Egyptian city of Port Said. Besides the aircraft carrier USS "Harry S. Truman" (CVN-75), the bulk carrier Besiktas-M was also involved in the incident.
This vessel is sailing under the Panamanian flag, with a length of 188 metres and a width of 32 metres. The available photos show that both vessels sustained damage.
In the case of the bulk carrier, the damage was sustained from a starboard side impact near the ship's bow. The vessel was heading to the Romanian port of Constanța, where - according to the schedule - it was supposed to arrive on 18th February.
Damage to the American aircraft carrier
The damage to the aircraft carrier appears to be much smaller - a photo released by the Pentagon shows minor 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 Americans, 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 - 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 333 metres long, displaces 113,000 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.
