San Diego: Navy Ship Capsizes in Historic Incident

San Diego: Navy Ship Capsizes in Historic IncidentSan Diego: Navy Ship Capsizes in Historic Incident In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald capsized off the coast of San Diego on June 17, 2017. The collision with an oil tanker in the pre-dawn hours resulted in the deaths of seven sailors and significant damage to the ship. The Incident At approximately 2:20 AM local time, the USS Fitzgerald was returning to San Diego from a routine deployment when it was struck by the merchant vessel ACX Crystal. The impact occurred on the Fitzgerald’s starboard side, causing extensive damage and immediate flooding. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with sailors scrambling to evacuate the ship and tend to the injured. As the water continued to pour in, the Fitzgerald began to list heavily, eventually capsizing and settling upside down in the water. Search and Rescue Naval and Coast Guard vessels, along with helicopters, were quickly deployed to the scene to assist in search and rescue efforts. Seven sailors were confirmed dead, and three others were critically injured. The remaining crew, approximately 283 sailors, were rescued and taken to local hospitals. Investigation The cause of the collision is under investigation by the U.S. Navy. Initial reports indicate that the ACX Crystal may have been traveling too fast and made a sudden maneuver that put the Fitzgerald in danger. The Navy is also examining the ship’s safety protocols and crew training to identify any contributing factors. Significance The capsizing of the USS Fitzgerald is a significant event for the U.S. Navy. It is the first time in over 40 years that a U.S. Navy ship has been lost in a collision. The incident highlights the dangers faced by sailors and the importance of maintaining vigilance and adhering to safety procedures. The loss of seven sailors has been deeply mourned by the Navy and the nation. Their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the risks taken by those who serve in defense of our country. Recovery and Repairs The salvage of the USS Fitzgerald is a complex and time-consuming process. The ship has been towed to a shallow-water area for assessment and repairs. It is expected to take several months to determine the extent of the damage and the feasibility of rehabilitating the ship. The U.S. Navy is committed to learning from this incident and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The loss of the USS Fitzgerald and its crew will be a lasting reminder of the dangers of the sea and the sacrifices made by those who serve.