Malaysia joins search effort after U.S. destroyer collision with merchant vessel

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian authorities said assets had been deployed to join the search and rescue operation after U.S. navy destroyer John S. McCain collided with a merchant vessel near the Strait of Malacca.

The U.S. navy said 10 sailors were missing and five others injured while the destroyer was transiting to a routine port visit in Singapore.

Malaysian navy chief Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the Malaysian Navy, airforce and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency are conducting search and rescue operations.

Initial reports indicated the ship sustained damage to its port side aft but is currently sailing under its own power and heading to a port.