A Dockwise heavy lift vessel transporting the damaged US destroyer USS John S McCain has run into heavy weather en-route to Japan.
The 53,818-dwt Treasure (built 1990) was heading for Yokosuka, but has run into Typhoon Lan forcing it to change destination.
It has also emerged that the John S McCain has also developed a 4-inch crack in its hull, reports military publication US Naval Institute (USNI).
As a result of the heavy weather and the new damage to the US naval vessel, the Tresure is said to be diverting to the Philippines.
It is unclear if the new damage to the John S McCain was caused during the voyage. The crack is about four inches long on the starboard side, amidships, a US Navy official told USNI.
“Once pier side, experts will inspect the crack and determine if any additional repairs are needed before continuing to Yokosuka.
“The Treasure had already slowed because of the storm, and pulling in allows inspection of the small crack while the weather improves,” the spokesman added.
The John S. McCain was involved in a collision with Stealth Maritime’s 50,800-dwt tanker Alnic MC (built 2008) while underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore on 21 August.
Ten US Navy sailors were killed, while the ship suffered significant damage to her port side aft resulting in flooding to nearby compartments.
Earlier this month the US Navy said the collision had been “preventable” and replaced the ship’s two senior officers as a result.
