Newly released images reveal the damage sustained by the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) aircraft carrier following its collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M in the eastern Mediterranean.
The incident occurred on the night of February 12 at approximately 11:46 PM local time near Port Said, an area of heavy maritime traffic due to its proximity to the entrance of the Suez Canal.
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U.S. Navy Confirms Damage, but Aircraft Carrier Remains Operational
According to Commander Tim Gorman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy, the newly released images show dents and scratches along the hull of the USS Harry S. Truman. However, he assured that “the ship’s propulsion systems were not affected and remain in a safe and stable condition.”
Gorman also confirmed that there were no injuries or flooding onboard, and that the aircraft carrier remains fully operational and capable of continuing its missions in the Mediterranean.
Port Said, located at the northern end of the Suez Canal, is one of the world’s most critical transit points for commercial and military vessels. The high traffic density and narrow navigation channels make maneuvering complex, requiring strict coordination to prevent accidents.
The U.S. Navy’s investigation is now focused on how a vessel as large as a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, measuring over 300 meters in length, could collide with a merchant ship in a controlled navigation zone.
While the USS Harry S. Truman’s robust structure provides substantial protection against external impacts, the incident highlights the importance of continuous vigilance and meticulous navigation planning in strategic regions like the Suez Canal.
The U.S. Navy has launched a formal inquiry to clarify the circumstances surrounding the collision. The investigation process includes an analysis of radar records, bridge recordings, surveillance reports, and transcripts of communications between the vessels involved.
Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk / Department of Defense. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
