WBIED.com Editorial

The collision between the USS Fitzgerald and the 29 060 gross ton MV ACX Crytsal is well reported.

The question that should surely be asked is how can 2 ships with combined tonnage of over 30 000 tons could have collided in a clear calm conditions.

Not only would both ships be equipped with radar and new ship detection equipment – but the Fitzgerald is an Arleigh Burke class destroyer built around the Aegis Combat System.  This incident is not like a near-miss mid-air collision – it is two ships crashing into each other resulting in the deaths of over 6 crewman as well as the injury to the captain of the USS Fitzgerald.

The damage is very evident, with apparent minor damage to the ACX Crystal.