According to the U.S. Navy, a Japanese tugboat “drifted into” a destroyer during an exercise Saturday. 

The collision caused “minimal damage” to the warship.  No injuries have been reported.

It's the fifth crash this year for the Navy's 7th Fleet, including two fatal collisions involving guided-missile destroyers that have killed a total of 17 sailors. 

The USS Benfold, a guided-missile destroyer, appears to have sustained scrapes on its side and remains at sea, according to the Navy’s 7th Fleet, which is based in Japan. The tugboat lost propulsion before drifting into the warship. 

The tugboat was towed to the 7th Fleet's headquarters in Yokosuka, which is just south of Tokyo.

The Navy has said the collision will be investigated. 

Since 1935, MOPS has protected the licenses and livelihoods of more than 80,000 deck and engineering officers, state and federal pilots and certified tankermen.  

We cover USCG licensed officers operating aboard vessels of any size in every sector of the maritime industry.  If you want a quote, give us a ring at 800-782-8902, ext. 3608 or 3302.  Or fill out our online form and we'll email you a quote.