Search and rescue underway after USS John S. McCain collides with merchant ship near Strait of Malacca

Courtesy U.S. Navy | Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class James Vazquez

The USS John S. McCain conducts a patrol in the South China Sea, Jan. 22, 2017, while supporting security efforts in the region.

Search and rescue efforts were underway Monday morning after the USS John S. McCain collided with a merchant ship, the U.S. 7th Fleet said in a notice.

The ship, a guided-missile destroyer, was involved in the collision while on its way to Singapore for a routine port visit, the notice said. The incident happened east of Singapore and the Strait of Malacca, the 7th Fleet said.

The note also said initial reports indicated the destroyer sustained damage to its port side.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.