Search on for missing sailors after US destroyer hits oil tanker

Ten sailors are missing after a US destroyer collided with an oil tanker during a routine port visit to Singapore.

The USS John S McCain suffered damage on its side after the collision with the Alnic MC at 5.24am local time, but it sailed under its own power and arrived at Changi naval base on Singapore's east coast with a large hole torn in its hull.

The US Navy's 7th Fleet said: "There are currently 10 sailors missing and five injured... search and rescue efforts are under way in coordination with local authorities.

"The extent of damage and personnel injuries is being determined. The incident will be investigated."

As the warship was escorted to shore by two other vessels, the Navy later added: "Significant damage to the hull resulted in flooding to nearby compartments, including crew berthing, machinery and communications rooms. Damage control efforts by the crew halted further flooding."

Four of the injured sailors were airlifted to hospital for treatment. The fifth injured sailor did not require medical attention.

A search-and-rescue mission is under way involving Singaporean ships, helicopters and tug boats, as well as US Navy aircraft. Neighbouring Malaysia also deployed eight ships.

The collision involving a ship from the 7th Fleet in the Pacific is the second in two months.

Seven sailors died in June when the USS Fitzgerald and a container ship hit each other in waters off Japan.

Cindy & I are keeping America's sailors aboard the USS John S McCain in our prayers tonight - appreciate the work of search & rescue crews https://t.co/jzk9giXbfg

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) August 21, 2017

The Fitzgerald's captain was relieved of command and other sailors face penalties after officials found poor seamanship and flaws in keeping watch contributed to the collision, the Navy said last week.

An investigation into how and why the Fitzgerald collided with the other ship was not finished, but enough details were known to take those actions, the Navy said.

The USS John S McCain is named after Republican Senator John McCain, a Vietnam War-era naval aviator who was shot down and held prisoner for five years.

"Cindy & I are keeping America's sailors aboard the USS John S McCain in our prayers tonight - appreciate the work of search & rescue crews," Mr McCain said on Twitter.

President Donald Trump initially said "that's too bad" as he responded to reporters shouting questions about the collision as he arrived back at the White House after a weekend break.