USS Nimitz Collides Near Egypt

The U.S. Navy has reported that the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz collided with a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea near Egypt. Fortunately no injuries or substantial damage were reported.

The incident took place in the vicinity of Port Said Egypt late Wednesday night according to Navy statements. The collision involved the Nimitz-class carrier and the merchant ship Besiktas-M.

The U.S. Sixth Fleet confirmed that the USS Nimitz’s propulsion systems remain operational and in stable condition. The carrier which has a crew of thousands did not suffer from flooding or personnel harm.

Despite the absence of injuries the collision has sparked concerns over maritime safety especially in busy sea lanes like those near the Suez Canal. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

Collisions at sea involving large naval vessels are rare but when they occur they can have serious implications. This event underscores the challenges of naval operations in shared maritime spaces.

The Besiktas-M a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier was also involved in the collision though immediate details on its condition post-collision were not disclosed. Both ships were moving at the time of the impact.

This event comes at a time when the U.S. Navy is already stretched thin with deployments across various global hotspots. Ensuring the safety and readiness of its fleet remains a top priority.

The Navy’s prompt response and the lack of reported damage or injuries are seen as a testament to the discipline and preparedness of the crew aboard the USS Nimitz. The situation will be closely monitored as more details emerge.