The investigation into the collision of the destroyer Fitzgerald with container ship
Five of the seven Navy sailors killed aboard the destroyer Fitzgerald, when he collided with a cargo ship off the East coast of Japan, killed instantly, according to preliminary analysis of the Navy. This estimate is based on a study of the impact points and the cabins in which sailors were probably asleep.
Two ships collided right next to the mooring area. The official also said that the Navy tries to confirm that the two sailors who were almost instantly "knocked out", tried to help others to five to avoid the incoming water. "But at some point, the ship somehow lost touch", with two sailors, and they also died, according to officials. All 7 were found dead in a flooded area.
The official said that will never be known whether the order of closure of the watertight hatch while the two men were still alive. The official stressed that the fleet will wait for the completion of all investigations before coming to any conclusions about the actions of the crew and decisions concerning awards for heroism or potential disciplinary action.
U.S. Navy, U.S. coast guard and the Japanese Maritime authorities are investigating. Early assessment suggests that the ship could be on autopilot during a collision, the official said. However, this does not explain why the crew of the Fitzgerald had not seen another ship, or why they are unable to maneuver from him, the official said.
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