Wouldn’t a high speed impact amidships from a fully loaded container ship have rolled over the US ship? I think the damage photos I’ve seen suggest a low speed impact.
The whole thing is very fishy. No radar on them US ship?
I think they were almost on parallel courses and when the autopilot of the container ship made a pre-programed 20 degree turn narrowing the separation distance, the radar saw them at the same bearing until it was too late to avoid a side-swipe rather than a t-bone.
wasn’t a T-bone it was a side-swipe and based on local reporting here in Japan (arrived yesterday) it appears the merchant was overtaking the destroyer and should have steered clear as the give way vessel.
Also latest indicates CO was in his bunk and lucky to have lived as his quarters were directly impacted. Not sure why the OOD didn’t call him to the bridge...if that is truly the case.
Meeting a buddy working on the base at the end of the week may get more scuttle-butt then.
Prayers to the families of those lost and always prayers for those in peril on the seas.