US Navy searching for missing USS Stethem sailor in South China Sea

A U.S. Navy sailor from the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem went missing on Augist 1 during routine operations in the South China Sea and the search is still ongoing, the U.S. Navy said.

Ships and aircraft from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are taking part in search and rescue efforts.

Stethem reported a man overboard at about 9 a.m. local. The navy said multiple searches were conducted inside the ship, but were unable to locate the sailor.

USS Stethem, USNS Amelia Earhart, USNS Vice Admiral K. R. Wheeler and a U.S. Navy P-3 aircraft are assisting in the search.

In addition, JMSDF ships JS Izumo and JS Sazanami are searching the area along with helicopters from Izumo.

The U.S. Navy said the sailor will not be identified while the search is ongoing.