The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea late on February 12, 2025.
According to a statement from the U.S. Sixth Fleet, the incident occurred around 11:46 PM local time while the Truman was navigating through the Suez Canal region. No injuries or major damage were reported on the aircraft carrier, and its propulsion and operational systems remain unaffected.
Incident Details & Investigation
The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation. U.S. Navy officials and maritime authorities are conducting a thorough review to determine whether navigational errors, communication lapses, or external factors contributed to the incident.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Sixth Fleet confirmed that safety procedures were immediately activated, and the situation was brought under control without any security threats to the carrier or its crew.
“The USS Harry S. Truman remains fully operational. There were no injuries, no flooding, and the ship’s mission capabilities have not been impacted,” a Navy spokesperson stated.
The status of the merchant vessel Besiktas-M has not yet been fully detailed, though initial reports suggest that it sustained minor damage but remains afloat.
USS Harry S. Truman’s Recent Operations
The USS Harry S. Truman has been active in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean in recent months as part of the U.S. Navy’s regional security operations. Prior to the collision, the carrier was reported to have:
Conducted military exercises in the Red Sea for over 50 days before returning to the Mediterranean.
Participated in joint drills with allied naval forces amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Provided security in key maritime routes, including near the Suez Canal, a critical global trade passage.
The ship's movements have been closely monitored as tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean have increased in recent months.
What Happens Next?
- Naval Investigation: The U.S. Navy is expected to release a full report on the incident in the coming days.
- Damage Assessment: Maritime authorities are evaluating any possible environmental impact from the collision.
- Operational Status: The USS Harry S. Truman is expected to continue its mission in the region without major disruptions.
Officials have assured that the carrier remains mission-ready, and its schedule in the Mediterranean will not be affected unless further assessments suggest otherwise.
This collision near Port Said is a rare incident for a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy. While no serious damage was reported, the event raises questions about navigational safety in the heavily trafficked Suez Canal and Mediterranean trade routes.