Chasing a crippled ship...

[nfitzsimmons]

Originally Posted by Quillan

If the ship is still making way and keeping up with the convoy, the only thing you can do is what is called an end-around. Basically, you have to get well behind the convoy, far enough off that even with escorts sweeping out you'll never be within visual range. Then you have to hit high speed (Ahead Full or Ahead Flank) and race in a large arc around the convoy to get back ahead of it. During this arc you again have to be well outside any possible visual range (on a clear day that means 8-10 nautical miles from the center line of the convoy) until you're wlel ahead of it, then close back towards the path and submerge to wait. If it's daylight, it's nearly impossible unless you're outside of air patrol territory or you're willing to risk running on the surface and being attacked.

Now, if the ship can't keep up with the convoy, just wait (and follow) until there is sufficient separation between it and the convoy, then take it. Just keep in mind that if they see you (say if you surface to use the gun) they'll call for help, and one of the escorts will come racing back to try and kill you.

I've had a couple of cases in which a damaged freighter was slowed to 2-3 knots and the rest of the convoy (and escorts) slowed down as well. I've also seen situations where a crippled ship was left behind. Curious...