U.S. Navy Destroyer Collides with Supply Ship in Caribbean: Two Sailors Injured
Two U.S. Navy sailors sustained injuries in a collision between a U.S. Navy destroyer and a supply ship in the Caribbean, as confirmed by military officials. The incident occurred during a replenishment-at-sea operation involving the USS Truxtun (DDG103) and the USNS Supply (T-AOE-6).
The collision resulted in minor injuries to two personnel, who are currently in stable condition. Both ships have continued sailing safely following the incident. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation by the U.S. Southern Command spokesperson.
Reported by the Wall Street Journal, the collision occurred during a ship-to-ship refueling operation. Both vessels were part of the military buildup in the Caribbean initiated by President Donald Trump to address drug trafficking in the region. Such replenishment operations involve the transfer of supplies and fuel between two ships sailing alongside each other.
The Supply-class fast combat support ship, like the USNS Supply involved in the collision, is typically operated by civilian mariners despite being owned by the Navy. The USS Truxtun had recently departed from its home port at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
This is a developing news story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.