PORT SAID, EGYPT – A dramatic encounter unfolded late last night in the Mediterranean Sea when the USS Harry Truman, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, collided with a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier. The incident occurred around 11:46 p.m. local time on February 12, just off the coast of Port Said, north of Egypt. The collision has sparked a flurry of investigations and raised questions about maritime safety in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
The region around the Suez Canal is notoriously congested, with vessels frequently navigating tightly packed waters. The Truman, which had recently emerged from the Red Sea and was heading for the Mediterranean, found itself in a precarious situation as it crossed paths with the bulk carrier traveling from Jordan to Romania. The convergence of these massive vessels in such a crowded area underscores the risks inherent in maritime navigation.
Despite the collision, the bulk carrier has resumed its journey, indicating that damage to the vessel was not severe. Photographs of the ship show some damage to its starboard side bow, but Egyptian authorities have cleared it to continue. Meanwhile, attention has turned to the USS Harry Truman, where concerns linger about potential damage to its structure, particularly its flight deck and elevators.
The USS Harry Truman, equipped with nuclear propulsion, reported no injuries or flooding. The Navy has assured that the ship’s propulsion system remains in a safe and stable condition. However, the incident has reignited concerns over the safety of nuclear-powered vessels in crowded maritime environments.
As the Truman was accompanied by only one destroyer, the USS Jason Dunham, questions have arisen about the adequacy of its escort and the circumstances leading to the collision. Typically, aircraft carriers travel with a full strike group, but in this instance, most of its escorts remained in the Red Sea, possibly contributing to the mishap.
The U.S. and Egypt maintain a strong maritime relationship, with agreements allowing American warships preferential passage through the Suez Canal. However, the Truman’s position at the time of the collision suggests it was preparing for southbound navigation, a maneuver requiring coordination with Egyptian pilots.
Investigations are underway by the U.S. Navy, Panamanian authorities, and Egyptian officials to determine the events leading to the collision. The outcome will be crucial in ensuring the safety of vessels navigating through the Suez Canal area, a vital artery for global trade.
This incident brings to mind past collisions involving U.S. Navy ships, such as the tragic events in 2017 when the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain suffered fatal accidents in the Western Pacific. With only 11 aircraft carriers in its fleet, the U.S. Navy is keen to assess any impact on the Truman to maintain its operational readiness.
As the investigation unfolds, maritime experts and military officials alike are closely monitoring developments, eager to understand how such a significant collision occurred in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.