The U.S. Navy has relieved the USS Fitzgerald's commander and two other senior leaders of their duties — and it's also praising the crew for saving their ship after the destroyer collided with a large Philippine-flagged container ship off the coast of Japan on June 17. "It was also evident from this review that the entire Fitzgerald crew demonstrated real toughness that night," the Navy said. "Following the collision these Sailors responded with urgency, determination and creativity to save their ship." Inadequate leadership and flawed teamwork contributed to the crash, the Navy said after releasing the findings of its investigation into the crash. It also blamed poor seamanship by the crews of both the guided-missile cruiser and the ACX Crystal, whose gross tonnage was triple that of the U.S. ship. Seven members of the Fitzgerald's crew died in the collision, which bashed in a large section of the ship above the waterline and caused extensive damage below. Water poured in through a large gash near its keel — a 13-by-17-foot opening that was made by the cargo ship's bulbous bow — as sailors responded to an emergency around 1:30 a.m. "Through their swift and in many cases heroic actions, members of the crew saved lives," the Navy said. The report found that the sailors responded to flooding, structural damage and reports of a fire as they worked to restore the ship's power, propulsion and guidance. The damage spanned two decks, and water poured into the ship — particularly into Berthing 2, which held 42 beds and a lounge for the crew. By the time one sailor jumped from his top bunk, the water was chest high, the Navy says.
ACCIDENTS
19 August 2017 - 12:00
Update: 21 August 2017 - 00:26
USS Fitzgerald Leaders Punished, Crew Is Praised After Collision With Cargo Ship
USS Fitzgerald Leaders Punished, Crew Is Praised After Collision With Cargo Ship
ACCIDENTS
19 August 2017 - 12:00
Update: 21 August 2017 - 00:26
This news 2753 hits received.
EDITOR
These news may also interest you