Two ships do not run into each other in the open sea without someone being at fault. During the coming weeks, Navy investigators will try to set blame for the weekend collision between an oil tanker and an American destroyer, the USS John S. McCain, near Singapore.

The Navy also will look into whether the McCain’s crew was negligent in not being able to avoid the collision. Another accident involving a U.S. warship a few months ago near Japan resulted in the vessel’s captain being relieved of duty. Several other sailors were disciplined.

Regardless of where fault in the accident lies, it is another reminder of the danger of military service, even in peacetime.

Ten sailors were missing in the wake of the McCain collision. Five others had been injured.

Accidents, often involving aircraft and Navy vessels, are not uncommon. They are one of the prices to be paid for armed forces that utilize weapons of war and must remain proficient in their use at all times.

Let us hope and pray the sailors missing from the McCain are found, safe and sound. Odds are against that happening, unfortunately.

At the same time, let us remember that those who serve us in the military often are in harm’s way even when there are no hostilities in the headlines.