Yes, if 20 minutes out you told the OOD: “That ship is going to try to ram you. Don’t let it ram you.”
Then it’s all very easy.
But if the Crystal maneuvered into a passing/crossing situation, with the covert intention to attempt a ramming, and then lied on the VHF (”I’m turning to port, no worries captain.”) and then turned to starboard, completely unexpectedly.....
That’s my theory. It’s just a theory.
Same reasoning: a tow truck “should not be able” to collide with a state trooper’s high performance patrol car.
But if the tow truck driver crosses the double yellow line at the last second....collision.
Even though “the state trooper’s patrol car could EASILY avoid and intentional ramming by a tow truck on the highway. Easily.”
Same reasoning: a tow truck “should not be able” to collide with a state trooper’s high performance patrol car.
But if the tow truck driver crosses the double yellow line at the last second....collision.
Even though “the state trooper’s patrol car could EASILY avoid and intentional ramming by a tow truck on the highway. Easily.”
I'll preface by saying I know nothing about Navy protocol, but I would have thought that there would be a standing rule that no other non US Navy vessel be allowed to come within say 500 yards of a ship. PERIOD. If a ship get any closer defensive measures are immediately carried out. This could include changing course and going full speed.
Very possible it was intentional on the cargo ships part, but no way on earth they should have been able to execute. Someone fouled up. Big time.