USS Harry S. Truman collides with merchant ship in Suez Canal

On February 12, 2025, an American aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman, collided with a Panamanian merchant vessel named Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, situated at the northern end of the Suez Canal. The incident occurred while the carrier was operating as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, after having recently completed two months of combat operations in the Mediterranean region, which included airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen and ISIS in Somalia. Fortunately, the U.S. Navy reported no injuries associated with either the carrier or the merchant vessel and confirmed that the nuclear reactors on the USS Harry S. Truman were secure following the impact, suggesting that there was no significant threat to the ship's safety. However, the merchant ship sustained damage, although the extent was not disclosed, and it is worth noting that the Besiktas-M had previously been involved in a collision in 2016 with a Greek bulk carrier, raising questions about its navigational practices. The Suez Canal is a critical waterway for maritime trade and is typically crowded with ships, making navigational safety paramount in the area. The USS Harry S. Truman, which had deployed from Naval Station Norfolk in September of the previous year, had just completed a port call in Greece before the collision, illustrating the high operational tempo the carrier has maintained. As tensions in the region remain high, U.S. naval forces like the Truman are positioned to respond to emerging threats in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. Navy officials asserted that the carrier remained operational and was fully ready to resume its mission should the need arise. Past collisions in the Suez Canal and surrounding waters serve as reminders of the inherent risks associated with maritime operations, particularly in congested areas where multiple vessels are often navigating simultaneously. The last recorded incident involving a carrier and a merchant ship happened in 2004, when the former USS John F. Kennedy collided with a smaller vessel in the Persian Gulf, resulting in tragic consequences for the sailing craft. As shipping continues to increase through the canal, ensuring vessels maintain proper safety protocols and navigational measures is vital to prevent future incidents like the recent collision. This incident has highlighted the importance of continuous maritime safety training and the necessity for vessels to remain vigilant in busy shipping lanes. Both the U.S. Navy and the merchant shipping industry may need to review operational procedures to enhance safety and prevent future collisions, preserving both human life and valuable cargo in one of the world's most significant trade routes.