In a significant maritime incident on February 12, 2025, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea. The collision occurred at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time, raising concerns about naval operations in the region. While no injuries were reported, the impact has triggered an official investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Incident Details
The USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, was conducting routine operations when it collided with the Besiktas-M, a bulk carrier. Despite the severity of such incidents, there were no reported injuries or flooding on either vessel. The Truman’s nuclear propulsion system remained unaffected and was reported to be in a safe and stable condition.
According to initial reports, the merchant vessel was moving on an intersecting course when the collision occurred. Visibility conditions at the time were reportedly poor due to fog, and early assessments suggest that a possible navigational miscalculation could have played a role in the incident. The U.S. Navy has not yet confirmed whether human error, mechanical failure, or external environmental factors contributed to the crash.
Vessel Backgrounds
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)
Commissioned in 1998, the USS Truman is one of ten Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy. Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, the carrier serves as a mobile airbase for approximately 5,000 crew members and carries an array of aircraft, including F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers.
The Truman has been actively involved in multiple operations over the years, including recent missile strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as part of efforts to stabilize the Red Sea region. Prior to the collision, the carrier had been deployed in the Red Sea for 50 days and had only recently returned to the Mediterranean.
Besiktas-M
The Besiktas-M is a commercial bulk carrier registered under the flag of Turkey. While details about the vessel remain scarce, it is known to operate within Mediterranean shipping lanes. The extent of the damage to the Besiktas-M has not yet been fully disclosed, but preliminary reports suggest minor structural damage to its starboard side.
How the Collision Happened
Naval experts and officials are piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the collision. While no official findings have been released yet, some key factors that may have contributed include:
- Poor Visibility: Weather reports indicate that dense fog may have limited visibility, making it difficult for either vessel to make last-minute navigational adjustments.
- Traffic Congestion: The Mediterranean Sea is one of the busiest maritime routes in the world, with heavy commercial traffic. Miscommunication between naval and civilian vessels has been a known issue in the past.
- Navigation Miscalculation: If either ship’s crew failed to accurately assess the other’s trajectory, it could have resulted in an unavoidable collision.
Historical Context of Naval Collisions
While aircraft carrier collisions are rare, naval mishaps have occurred in recent years, leading to safety reviews and operational changes. Some notable incidents include:
- USS Fitzgerald (2017): A U.S. destroyer collided with a container ship near Japan, killing seven sailors.
- USS John S. McCain (2017): Another U.S. destroyer collided with an oil tanker near Singapore, resulting in 10 fatalities.
- USS Lake Champlain (2017): A guided-missile cruiser collided with a South Korean fishing vessel in the Pacific.
Each of these incidents led to major internal reviews, stricter operational procedures, and updated training protocols for naval crews. The collision involving the USS Truman is expected to undergo a similar level of scrutiny.
Investigation and Future Implications
The U.S. Navy has launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision. Key aspects of the probe include:
- Reviewing ship logs and radar data to determine the exact sequence of events.
- Conducting interviews with crew members from both the USS Truman and the Besiktas-M.
- Examining whether communication protocols were properly followed.
- Assessing environmental conditions and their impact on visibility.
Findings from the investigation will be critical in preventing similar incidents in the future. Depending on the outcome, the Navy may implement changes in navigational training, technology, or operational procedures.
What Happens Next?
- USS Harry S. Truman: The carrier is expected to undergo a detailed damage assessment. If repairs are required, it may be sent to a naval dockyard for maintenance.
- Besiktas-M: The commercial vessel is being inspected for structural damage before continuing operations.
- Navy Protocol Updates: Should the investigation uncover procedural lapses, additional training drills and safety measures may be introduced across the fleet.
Conclusion
The collision involving the USS Harry S. Truman highlights the risks of operating large military and commercial vessels in busy maritime corridors. While the absence of injuries and significant damage is reassuring, the incident underscores the importance of stringent navigational protocols and enhanced training to ensure maritime safety. The aircraft carrier collision has sparked global interest, and naval officials will closely monitor the investigation’s findings to improve operational procedures.
For more updates on USS Truman and other military news, stay tuned.
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