Report of Seven Sailors Killed in Brawl Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln Denied by US Military

The United States military has rejected reports that seven sailors were killed in a violent clash aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, describing the claims as false.

The allegation was circulated by Iranian-linked media earlier this week, which reported that a confrontation among crew members aboard the carrier had left seven U.S. Navy personnel dead and several others injured.

However, U.S. military officials have denied that any such deadly brawl occurred.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said there had been no loss of life aboard the carrier, while U.S. Central Command also rejected reports alleging multiple deaths aboard the ship.

The controversy comes as the Abraham Lincoln remains on an unusually long deployment in the Middle East. The carrier and its crew of roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines have been at sea for more than 260 days, supporting U.S. military operations connected to the conflict with Iran.

The prolonged deployment has generated growing concerns among sailors’ families and some U.S. lawmakers over living conditions, supplies and the mental health of personnel aboard the carrier.

Reports have alleged shortages of food and basic supplies, plumbing problems and increasing psychological strain among some crew members. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected descriptions of the conditions as severely deteriorating, saying reports have been misrepresented.

There have also been reports of sailors attempting to go overboard during the extended deployment. The military has acknowledged one sailor fell overboard on August 3 and was safely recovered, while disputing broader claims about a surge in suicides or deaths aboard the vessel.

The USS George Washington is now heading toward the Middle East and is expected to replace the Abraham Lincoln, allowing the latter’s crew to eventually return home.

The reported seven deaths therefore remain unsubstantiated, and there is currently no credible evidence supporting the claim that a deadly brawl killed seven sailors aboard the carrier.