A collision between a U.S. warship and an oil tanker near the Straits of Malacca on Friday has shone a light on a territorial dispute that has simmered between neighbours Singapore and Malaysia for nearly 40 years.
The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain collided with merchant vessel Alnic MC to the east of Singapore, while heading to the city-state for a routine port call.
Ten U.S. sailors are missing and five were injured in the collision, which resulted in significant damage to the hull of the U.S. vessel and the flooding of some of its compartments.
Singapore and Malaysia both said the incident took place in their territorial waters, as the warship and oil tanker collided near the rocky outcrop of Pedra Branca, an area that has long been contested by both countries.
Both countries said they were leading the search and rescue operation for the missing sailors.
Singapore
