U.S. Warship Collides with Japanese Tanker in Persian Gulf

RIA Novosti

13:24 12/08/2012

MOSCOW, August 12 (RIA Novosti) - A U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer collided with a Japanese oil tanker in the Persian Gulf, with no injuries reported on either vessel, the American Navy said on its website on Sunday.

The collision between USS Porter (DDG 78) and the Panamanian-flagged bulk oil tanker M/V Otowasan occurred at approximately 1 a.m. local time Sunday near the Strait of Hormuz.

“Overall damage to Porter is being evaluated, but the ship is able to operate under its own power,” the website said.

The collision, which was not combat related, is under investigation.

USS Porter is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, which conducts maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is the export route for one-third of global seaborne traded oil.