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U.S. Navy released first photos of damage to USS Harry S. Truman
Author:Mariusz Dasiewicz
US Navy released the first official damage photos of USS aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) which resulted from a collision with a bulk ship Besiktas-M off the coast of Egypt.
In the article
Two published photographs show the effects of an impact on the starboard (sterboard) 335-metre-long aircraft carrier. Damage includes extensive dents, numerous scratches and open cracks of the structure that were created by the impact on the protruding element of the hull. The affected area is below the aircraft deck. Despite the apparent damage, the navigation and operational systems of the ship were not compromised, as confirmed by a detailed technical inspection.
Collision near Port Said – the scene of the incident
The collision occurred on 12 February 2025 at 23:46 local time north of the Suez Canal, in an intensely frequented area near Port Said. During this time, the USS Harry S. Truman He returned to the Red Sea after a short stop in Crete, where his crew rested after operations involving Huti's attacks on commercial shipping.
During the maneuvering on a crowded tanker Besiktas-M, flying the flag of Panama, struck the starboard side of the American aircraft carrier. The collision force focused on the forward deck, causing a deformation of the sideboard and damage to mooring equipment – one of the mooring drums was torn from the anchorages.
Damage assessment and impact on continued USS service Harry S. Truman
After the US Navy incident, she conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft carrier to assess the extent of the damage. The inspection, including an inspection from the deck of the working boat, confirmed two hull hull torsion sites. The first is located on the sponson behind the aft airlift, the second in the aft peacock area, below the sponson, where the Mk49 launcher is installed.
Due to the type of propulsion, USS command Harry S. Truman It also ordered the ship's gym to be checked. Final reports confirmedthat the damage does not affect the operational safety of the unit and their location above the waterline allows for further navigation without the need for immediate repair.
What's next with Besiktas-M?
Besiktas-M It's a 189-foot bulk ship, built in 2002 and operated by Synergy Ship Management. Initial reports suggested that the unit is heading for Constance, but AIS data indicate that it is currently mooring in Alexandria, where it is to undergo inspection and possible repairs.
Investigation ongoing – reaction of the Suez Canal
The U.S. Navy conducts further analysis of the incident, examining possible causes of the collision, including navigational errors, hydro-meteorological conditions, and ship traffic in the area of the incident.
In turn, the Suez Canal board has not yet issued an official statement on the collision. As the event took place in one of the most important shipping routes in the world, further action can be expected from both the Egyptian authorities and international shipping safety surveillance organisations.
Potential consequences collision
A collision involving a large military unit like the USS Harry S. Truman This is an extremely rare event, especially in areas with high traffic, where strict navigation procedures apply. The ongoing investigation aims to establishwhether the incident was the result of human error, technical failure or unforeseen circumstances.
This event may also affect the security procedures for shipping in the region, particularly in the context of coordination of the movement of military and commercial units in the area of approaches to the Suez Canal. In the coming days, further information on the scale of damage and possible operational decisions concerning both units can be expected.
Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz
