New littoral combat ship hits freighter in Montreal

Ussbillingscopy

(MONTREAL) — The new littoral combat ship USS Billings struck a berthed freighter in Montreal on Friday as the warship got underway, leaving both ships damaged but their crews uninjured, Freight Waves reported.

The Freedom-class LCS hit M/V Rosaire A. Desgagnes about 2 p.m., said Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson, a Navy spokeswoman.

The 378-foot-long Billings sustained damage below the waterline. The damage to Rosaire A. Desgagnes, a 452-foot bulk carrier owned by Quebec-based Transport Desgagnes, was unknown.

Billings was getting underway in the St. Lawrence River with the assistance of tugs. The Navy is investigating the incident.

While the LCS was capable of continuing to its home port at Naval Station Mayport in Florida, it remained it Montreal as of June 24 for additional damage assessment.

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By Professional Mariner Staff