US warship collision: White House expresses gratitude to Malaysian, Singapore Navies for rescue efforts

Washington [USA], August 23 (ANI): The White House has expressed gratitude to the Malaysian and the Singapore Navy for the rescue efforts of the US guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain which collided on August 21 with merchant vessel near Singapore.

The White House statement read, "We are grateful for the rescue and recovery efforts of the officers and crew of the USS John S. McCain, the Malaysian Coast Guard, Royal Malaysian Navy, and Republic of Singapore Navy."

The White House has also expressed "great sadness" on learning its sailor fatalities following the August 21st collision of the US warship USS John S. McCain near Singapore and offered prayers for the fallen sailors.

The Department of Defense will conduct a thorough and complete investigation of the incident.

Earlier, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said that there was no indication as of yet if the warship collision in the Pacific was intentional.

The U.S. Navy has ordered an operational pause of its fleets globally and a wide-ranging review of the U.S. Pacific-based 7th Fleet post the warship's collision.

It was the second U.S. destroyer involved in a collision in the past two months.

In June, the USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship in waters off Japan, leaving seven sailors dead. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI