Thanks for this- the damage did seem to suggest cargo ship approached on parallel course gradually converging from astern , not broadside
Now - was Fitzgerald underway or “ hove to” in anchorage area off sealanes?
local reports indicate she was underway, but the news and coast guard have yet to get any info from USN. It’s all tied up with the SOFA agreements and will likely require a joint investigation. Philipine flagged shipped was being operated by a Japanese company.
The U-turns are being explained as after the collision. Collison was closer to 1:30 AM rather than 2:30 as originally indicated. Uturns seem to show that the ship returned to collision area, likely to try to render assistance if needed. That would also indicate an overtaking up until the turn away from the 1:30 collision point when they slowed and turned south.
Newer reports this morning seem to say the CO may have been in his stateroom - which would mean the OOD did NOT follow standing orders. However, until we get the log info public we’ll not know for sure.
See if I can get type up the local article later this evening if I get a chance.
Meeting an old buddy that works on the base later this week - may be able to get some additional scuttle-butt then.