USS Harry S. Truman Collision with Merchant Ship Besiktas-M Near Egypt: Latest Updates & Analysis

USS Harry S. Truman Collides with Merchant Vessel Besiktas-M Near Egypt

On February 12, 2025, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, collided with the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time, marks the first major collision involving a U.S. Navy carrier in nearly two decades.

Incident Overview

According to the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the USS Truman sustained no flooding or injuries among its 5,000 crew members. The carrier’s nuclear propulsion systems remained unaffected and in “a safe and stable condition.” The Besiktas-M, a 53,000-ton merchant vessel managed by Synergy Ship Management Turkey, also reported no injuries. Initial reports suggest damage to the carrier was above the waterline, though operational impacts remain under assessment.

The collision occurred as the USS Truman awaited transit through the Suez Canal to return to the Red Sea, where it had been deployed since December 2024 under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). During its deployment, the carrier supported airstrikes against Houthi militants in Yemen, who had targeted commercial shipping lanes.

Operational Context of the USS Harry S. Truman

The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) includes Carrier Air Wing 1, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, and destroyers USS Stout and USS Jason Dunham. Prior to the collision, the strike group had conducted missions in the Red Sea, including strikes against ISIS-Somalia and Houthi targets.

In January 2025, Houthi forces falsely claimed a 9-hour attack on the USS Truman, alleging the carrier retreated after sustaining damage. CENTCOM dismissed these claims, releasing photos of the undamaged carrier operating in the Red Sea.

Historical Naval Collisions and Safety Reforms

The USS Truman collision revives scrutiny of U.S. Navy safety protocols, echoing past incidents:

• 2017 Pacific Collisions: The destroyers USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain collided with merchant ships, killing 17 sailors. Investigations cited crew fatigue, inadequate training, and flawed navigation systems. Subsequent reforms included replacing touchscreen controls with physical throttles.
• 2001 USS Greeneville Incident: A U.S. submarine collided with a Japanese fishing vessel near Hawaii, killing nine civilians.
• 2004 USS John F. Kennedy: Collided with a dhow in the Persian Gulf, resulting in fatalities.

The Navy’s post-2017 “safety stand-down” and operational reforms had reduced major incidents until the USS Truman collision.

Impact on Regional Operations

The USS Truman had recently transited to the Mediterranean for maintenance in Souda Bay, Greece, after 50 days in the Red Sea. Its return to the Red Sea was intended to maintain U.S. deterrence amid Middle East tensions. The collision’s timing raises questions about:

1. Operational Readiness: Whether the carrier’s damage will delay its redeployment.
2. Strategic Posture: The U.S. has maintained a carrier presence in the region since October 2023, responding to Hamas-Israel conflicts and Houthi threats.

Investigation and Next Steps

The Navy has launched an investigation into the collision, focusing on:

• Navigation Errors: Potential lapses in situational awareness during nighttime operations.
• Communication Failures: Whether the Besiktas-M’s AIS (Automatic Identification System) data was monitored.
• Crew Training: Adherence to post-2017 safety protocols.

Maritime tracking data from MarineTraffic showed the Besiktas-M anchored near Port Said post-collision. The vessel had departed Aqaba, Jordan, en route to Constanta, Romania.

Broader Implications for Naval Safety

While collisions between warships and merchant vessels are rare, this incident underscores enduring challenges:

• Congested Waters: High traffic near chokepoints like the Suez Canal increases collision risks.
• Crew Fatigue: Extended deployments, such as the USS Truman’s 50-day Red Sea mission, may strain personnel.
• Technological Reliance: Overdependence on AIS and automated systems without manual oversight.

External Links for Further Reading

1. New York Times: U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Collides With Merchant Ship
2. The Aviationist: USS Truman Collision Analysis
3. Task & Purpose: Navy’s Latest Collision Incident
4. Breaking Defense: Operational Impact of the Collision

The USS Harry S. Truman collision highlights the complexities of modern naval operations amid geopolitical tensions. As investigations proceed, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols in safeguarding both military and civilian lives at sea.