On June 17th, early in the morning off the coast of Tokyo, ACX Crystal collided with US naval destroyer USS Fitzgerald. The filipino container ship struck the destroyer right at the sea level and what just so happened to be the area where the sleeping quarters for the sailors as well. This caused the death of seven sailors.
Right after the incident had occurred, the Navy detached the commander and executive officer, essentially firing them from their jobs. They will also be taken to court for their actions leading the ship. It has been recently announced now that a dozen more crew members will be given some form of disciplinary actions. It was stated by the leadership of the whole fleet that the accident could have been avoided and displayed poor judgement of both vessels behalves.
Based on the rules of the rules of the sea, or maritime laws, vessels should give way to others on their starboard side, which is essentially how the USS Fitzgerald was positioned, giving some to question and believe that the US vessel was at fault. Some also are to believe the US vessel even told the container ship they wouldn't move and that the ACX Crystal would have to adjust its course. Further investigations are still happening to figure out the reasons this all took place.
It's important that we look at these events too because they have some impact on foreign relations and future rules and actions that would affect current serving military and those that would like to join.
Questions
- Do you think that this is the right action for the Navy to do?
- Was this a mishap on both parties or is it truly a one side at fault?
- What do you think the affects this will have on current maritime rules?
- Do you think we should cover more stories like this that aren't flooding our mainstream media?
Sources
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