USS Fitzgerald and MV ACX Crystal collision
_in_June_2017.JPG)
USS Fitzgerald returns to base after the collision
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| Time | Under investigation; conflicting reports of 1:30 A.M. or 2:20 AM Japan Standard Time |
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| Date | 17 June 2017 |
| Location | 56 nautical miles (104 kilometres; 64 miles) southwest of Yokosuka, Japan |
| Coordinates | 34°32′N 139°05′E / 34.533°N 139.083°ECoordinates: 34°32′N 139°05′E / 34.533°N 139.083°E |
| 7 deaths on USS Fitzgerald | |
| 3 confirmed injuries | |
Early on 17 June 2017, the United States Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with MV ACX Crystal, a Philippine-flagged container ship, 56 nautical miles (104 kilometres; 64 miles) southwest of Yokosuka, Japan; 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) southeast of the city of Shimoda.
The accident killed seven Fitzgerald sailors, who were initially listed as missing, but who were later recovered from within the flooded berthing compartments of the ship. At least three more of the crew of nearly 300 were injured, including the ship's commanding officer, Commander Bryce Benson. The accident was the deadliest peacetime loss of life for United States military personnel since 12 Marines were killed in a helicopter collision off Oahu, Hawaii, on 14 January 2016.
The collision damaged Fitzgerald's starboard (right) side, including a "large gash near the keel" in the hull below the waterline, according to the commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin. Sea water flooded two berthing areas (one above the other), a machinery area, and the radio room. The collision also destroyed the captain's cabin, according to Adm. Aucoin. Hours of damage control by Fitzgerald's crew kept the ship from sinking.
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Wikipedia