Four hurt as U.S. Navy ship collides with merchant vessel in Persian Gulf

Originally at http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200603261530.htm

Dubai, March. 26 (AP): A U.S. Navy destroyer collided with a merchant ship in the northern Persian Gulf, the U.S. Navy said in a statement on Sunday, causing light injuries to four people.

The merchant vessel Rokya 1, flying the Kiribati flag, and USS McCampbell, collided at 11:09 p.m. on Saturday about 48 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of the Iraqi coastline.

Two US sailors and two crew members from the Kiribati vessel were treated for minor injuries on the scene, US Navy spokeswoman Lt. Leslie Hullryde, told The Associated Press.

Both ships also sustained minor damage but were deemed seaworthy.

The Kiribati Republic is made up of one island and 30 atolls and is located in the South Pacific.

McCampbell, home-ported in San Diego, is one of several coalition forces vessels conducting maritime security operations for southern Iraqi ports. Oil passing through the terminals is the main source of revenue for Iraqi reconstruction.