USS Higgins Disabled After Major Fire in Indo-Pacific
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SINGAPORE — A major fire aboard the USS Higgins disabled the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer on Wednesday, causing a complete loss of power and propulsion in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. Navy confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 7:07 p.m. UTC. The fire, which originated in an engine room, quickly spread, forcing the crew to abandon the ship's primary power systems. The vessel is currently drifting without propulsion.
Commanders have not yet released details regarding the cause of the blaze. Initial assessments indicate significant damage to the ship's electrical grid and main engines. The crew, consisting of more than 300 sailors, has been accounted for, with no fatalities reported. Several personnel sustained minor injuries during the emergency evacuation of the affected compartments.
The Higgins was operating in international waters within the Indo-Pacific theater at the time of the incident. The ship was part of a larger deployment focused on regional security and freedom of navigation operations. The loss of the vessel represents a significant reduction in naval capacity for the Seventh Fleet during a period of heightened strategic activity in the region.
Rescue and recovery efforts are underway. A nearby U.S. Navy support vessel has moved to assist the Higgins, providing emergency power and towing capabilities. The damaged destroyer is expected to remain under tow until it can reach a port for repairs. The timeline for the Higgins' return to active service remains uncertain.
The incident marks one of the most significant operational setbacks for the U.S. Navy in recent years. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers serve as the backbone of the fleet's surface warfare capabilities. The loss of propulsion and power renders the Higgins unable to perform its primary missions, including air defense and anti-submarine warfare.
Navy officials have launched an internal investigation to determine the origin of the fire. The inquiry will examine maintenance logs, crew interviews, and physical evidence from the damaged compartments. No official statement has been released regarding potential mechanical failures or human error.
The status of the Higgins' weapons systems remains unclear. The fire may have compromised the ship's vertical launch systems and radar arrays. The Navy has not confirmed whether the vessel's combat systems were operational prior to the incident.
Regional allies have expressed concern over the incident. The loss of a major combatant in the Indo-Pacific could impact joint military exercises and security commitments. The U.S. Embassy in Singapore has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
The Higgins was scheduled to conduct a series of port visits in the coming weeks. The fire has disrupted these plans, and the Navy has not announced any changes to the deployment schedule for other vessels in the region.
The investigation is ongoing. The Navy has not provided an estimated timeline for the completion of repairs or the return of the Higgins to active duty. The incident remains under review by senior naval leadership.