7 missing in USS Fitzgerald collision off Japan (official, radio, Washington)

[katzpaw]

The USS Fitzgerald was t-boned and pierced by a cargo container ship off Japan at 2:20am local.
Hard to imagine how that could happen in open waters.

7 reported missing after US Navy ship collision off Japan

The Navy said that the USS Fitzgerald collided with a merchant ship 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, a city south of Tokyo that is home to a major U.S. Naval base. A U.S. defense official said there is flooding in three compartments of the Fitzgerald. The 7th Fleet says the ship experienced flooding in some areas, and it is heading back to Yokosuka.

Destroyer USS Fitzgerald Badly Damaged After Collision With Merchant Vessel (image)

US Navy destroyer takes on water after collision - CNNPolitics.com

[OnOurWayHome]

Very scary. How does this happen?

[Pruzhany]

How does a 729' cargo ship collide with a easily movable US Destroyer. It's not like the cargo ship can stop on a dime nor change direction easily.

[T-310]

Miscommunication between the two vessels intentions most likely led to the collision.

The starboard side of the ship is bashed and that is the side the green running light is located maybe indicating to the cargo ship to proceed.

Information is lacking so let's see how the investigation shakes out.

[CCbaxter]

Originally Posted by Pruzhany

How does a 729' cargo ship collide with a easily movable US Destroyer. It's not like the cargo ship can stop on a dime nor change direction easily.

Not only that but as one of the most sophisticated warships afloat, how does the accident even come close to happening?

[WIHS2006]

This is really, really bad. The ship has suffered severe damage, ship has lost all power, 7+ sailors missing, CO seriously injured (XO has taken command).

How does this even happen? Where were the watchstanders? How did the merchant ship not notice an Arleigh Burke class destroyer? They are not exactly small ...

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by katzpaw

The USS Fitzgerald was t-boned and pierced by a cargo container ship off Japan at 2:20am local.
Hard to imagine how that could happen in open waters.

7 reported missing after US Navy ship collision off Japan

The Navy said that the USS Fitzgerald collided with a merchant ship 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, a city south of Tokyo that is home to a major U.S. Naval base. A U.S. defense official said there is flooding in three compartments of the Fitzgerald. The 7th Fleet says the ship experienced flooding in some areas, and it is heading back to Yokosuka.

Destroyer USS Fitzgerald Badly Damaged After Collision With Merchant Vessel (image)

US Navy destroyer takes on water after collision - CNNPolitics.com

The bridge crew and officer is in big trouble. Navy career over for sure and maybe charges. That simply can't happen on a properly run ship.

Once spent a couple of hours playing tag in the fog with a big cruise liner who obviously was limping along killing time on auto pilot with no one on the bridge. Were not even answering calls from the Coast Guard who were talking about investigating when the thing was done. So it happens.

[Pruzhany]

Originally Posted by CCbaxter

Not only that but as one of the most sophisticated warships afloat, how does the accident even come close to happening?

I guess the destroyer who got a new commander, Cmdr. Bryce Benson, last month is about to get a new commander.

[greywar]

Collision occurred at 2:30 am local time. So middle of the night. Sounds like they are taking on water with damage below the waterline. Not a good situation.

[T-310]

First thing that will happen is the deck logs will be seized. Every maneuver and speed change is recorded in the logs.

The CO will be removed from command, the Officer of the deck and all watchstanders will be deposed.

Training logs investigated, radio communications scrutinized.