WASHINGTON: A United States Navy destroyer ? USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) ? collided with a merchant ship, 56 nautical miles south-west of Japan's Yokosuka, late Friday night, the American naval warfare services said.

The US Navy in its statement mentioned it has consequently requested assistance from the Japanese coast guard, while the extent of US personnel injuries is currently "being determined".

"The extent of damage is being determined. [?] The incident will be investigated," the US Navy stated.

?This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is made available