[DiogenesLamp]

You seem to know whereof you speak, so I will accept your explanation unless other information comes forth which contradicts it.

Unquestionably the US Navy people were asleep at the wheel. Someone is getting court-martialed, of that I am sure.

[Oztrich Boy]

You seem to know whereof you speak, so I will accept your explanation unless other information comes forth which contradicts it.

Yeah there is. The previous assumed a 2:20 collision.

Assuming the new 1:30. Crystal was running a normal track under autopilot. Fitzgerald attempts to cross ahead from port (totally against COLREGS). Impact turns Crystal off course to south. autopilot corrects, returns to course. after 20 minutes Crystal crew starts to deal with the situation, reverses course to assist. By 2:20 is stopped at point I previously assumed was collision.

Assistance not required, Crystal goes astern, turns, regains shipping lane.

CO and OOW still in deep