Maybe A+bert can come back for his comic relief on this issue.
The attack was deliberate and they honestly expected the vessel to sink with all hands. They shot up the life boats as well as the rest of the forward part resulting in it being totaly unseaworthy. The capt and crew of CTs sailed that vessel 700 miles backward into port with no life boats. The Johnson Administration had sixth fleet recall all aircraft before they could come to their aid.
I have kept up with this incident since it happened, and have yet to see ANYTHING that would lead me to believe it was an accident. Careful analysis showed why the ship was attacked and that it was done very much on purpose.
LOL! I haven't thought of that crank in forever.