U.S. Navy vessel collides with a merchant ship southwest of Japan

I was a DCA (Damage Control Assistant) on one of these and Chief Engineer on another. My prayers to all. The latest that I saw was that the CO was evacuated (his cabin is right in the middle of the damage area), and 7 sailors are missing (there are 2 berthing areas in the same area). Most sailors were probably in their racks at 0230. There are a couple of engineering spaces flooded, and they are limping along on aft engineering. JSDF destroyers and tugs are on scene.

LT Brad McInnis - thanks for the additional insight. Brad I hope they can find everyone. I read the Captain was injured in the incident and the XO assumed command, I am hoping for her/him too. He needs to be strong for the crew.

LTC Jason Mackay - I agree. That is going to be hard to pull everyone together to get the ship safely into port. But, as in all services, I am always in awe at how the troops pull together during bad times. My guess is that they know the sailors are in the berthing, but since it is flooded, dewatering is a secondary concern to keeping the engine rooms from flooding and keeping power on and screws turning.