AUGUST 24, 2017, CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Republic of Singapore (NNS) – The remains found by Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) are not those of a USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) Sailor. On Aug. 22, the RMN discovered the remains while searching the area where the guided-missile destroyer collided with a merchant vessel.
The determination was made following medical examinations of the remains, which will be returned to Malaysian authorities.
Additional divers from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Singapore to support search efforts within the ship.
Multinational search efforts continue at sea over an area of approximately 900 square nautical miles around the initial location of the collision.
Indonesian Navy ships joined the search and rescue efforts this morning. KRI ships Barakuda, Pulau Rusa, Cucut, and one NV 409 helicopter are approaching the area. A Royal Australian Air Force P-3 maritime patrol aircraft also joined search efforts.
Assistance from the Royal Malaysian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy continues with RSN ships Gallant and Fearless and RMN ship Leiku.
The four Sailors who were injured and flown off the ship to a hospital in Singapore were released yesterday and have returned to the command.
The incident will be investigated to determine the facts and circumstances of the collision.
From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs