Two U.S. Naval Vessels Collide

The Wall Street Journal reports that two U.S. naval vessels have collided while one was refueling from the other at sea, resulting in two injuries.

“The USS Traxton destroyer and USS Supply fast combat support ship collided while refueling at sea... It is reported that two individuals sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition, and both ships have reported that they were able to safely continue their voyage,” the article states.

According to U.S. Southern Command spokesperson Colonel Emmanuel Ortiz, the cause of the collision is still under investigation, and the exact location of the incident remains unknown.

The USS Traxton departed from Norfolk on February 6, whereas the USS Supply had recently been in the Caribbean, where a group of 12 ships was stationed amid tensions with Venezuela.

The United States justifies its military presence in the Caribbean by citing the fight against illegal drug trafficking, having frequently used its armed forces to destroy vessels allegedly transporting drugs near Venezuelan shores.