USS Fitzgerald Collision Update (10:33am JST June 18, 2017)

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs | | June 17, 2017

YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 17, 2017) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) returns to Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka following a collision with a merchant vessel while operating southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released) (Photo by MC1 Peter Burghart)

*UPDATE 11:40am*

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- A number of Sailors' bodies that were missing from the collision between USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and a merchant ship have been found.

As search and rescue crews gained access to the spaces that were damaged during the collision this morning, the missing Sailors were located in the flooded berthing compartments. They are currently being transferred to Naval Hospital Yokosuka where they will be identified.

The families are being notified and being provided the support they need during this difficult time. The names of the Sailors will be released after all notifications are made.