US Navy stops search for seven missing sailors after bodies found aboard stricken USS Fitzgerald

Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin wouldn't say how many bodies were recovered, pending notification of next of kin

Rescue crews are searching the area where the ship was hit (AP)

After discovering a number of bodies in flooded compartments, including sleeping quarters, the US Navy ended search and rescue efforts for the seven sailors missing after their destroyer collided with a merchant ship in waters off Japan.

Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin wouldn't say how many bodies were recovered, pending notification of next of kin.

The USS Fitzgerald sustained significant damage after a collision with a Philippine-flagged merchant ship.

Vice Admiral Aucion paid tribute to the crew's efforts to save their ship, saying they prevented it from sinking.

The bodies were found by Navy divers Sunday, a day after it returned to the base in Yokosuka with the help of tug boats.

Vice Admiral Aucoin said 116 crew members were in two berthing rooms, most of them likely resting at the time of the collision.

The skipper, who was injured in the head and airlifted to shore, was also in his room resting, he said, adding that he was lucky to have survived.

The Navy said earlier the ship had about 300 crew on board.

Apart from the berthing spaces, a machinery room and the radio room also were damaged and began taking in water after the destroyer was rammed mid-right side. Aucoin said the crash left a big hole below the water line.

Those who did not survive might have killed by the impact of the crash or drowned by the flooding, said Navy spokesman Lt. Paul Newell, who led reporters for a first look at the mangled vessel.

US President Donald Trump had earlier tweeted about the incident.

"Thoughts and prayers with the sailors of USS Fitzgerald and their families," he said. "Thank you to our Japanese allies for their assistance,"