[Onkel Neal]

US Navy, citing poor seamanship, removes commanders of warship in deadly crash

"The collision was avoidable and both ships demonstrated poor seamanship." the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a media release.

In the first detailed account from one of those directly involved in the collision, the captain of the cargo ship the ACX Crystal said his crew signaled the USS Fitzgerald with flashing lights around 10 minutes before the collision.

The Fitzgerald did not respond or alter course, it said.

The commercial vessel had the right-of-way under maritime rules and the Fitzgerald, which was hit on the starboard side, was likely at fault.