AIS Track showing the course and speed of the ACX Crystal during the time of collision with the USS Fitzgerald Image via MarineTraffic.com. According to this the tracking was on.. When I saw the tracking I also thought it was very interesting maneuvering. When I saw the damage to both ships I thought interesting method of attack on a warship!
http://gcaptain.com/high-resolution-photos-us-navy-destroyer-collision/
What is that?
I saw another track that had the collision where the Crystal’s last starboard turn is.
The Fitz was positioned going in the opposite direction.
The Crystal turned slightly to port as did the Fitz, crossing the bow of the Crystal.
It was as if the ships decided to pass starboard to starboard instead of protocol port to port.
Just guessing, without seeingg depth charts, etc I think the Crystal realized it was on the wrong track heading for trouble, backtracked looking for the shipping lane.
Even if the Crystal wanted to intentionally ram the Fitz, the Fitz should have been able to stay clear.