Detroit - Nicholson Collision 27 Aug 2000
1950 - Fuel Rig Spanwires Tensioned Fore and Aft
2014 - Helmsman overshoots half degree course change to right. Stern closes Oiler. Cargo messenger passed aft.
XO takes Conn and orders Left 20 degrees rudder to correct heading. XO gets complement from CO and retains conn. CO directs opening to 180 feet.
2037 - Cargo rig tensioned aft.
2038 - Fwd hose returned. Rig is detensioned without Bridge's knowledge.
2040 - CO leaves bridge to get flashlight XO notes closure at stern and calls for CO. CO returns to bridge Ship's head is actually fairly steady
XO orders series of left rudder commands up to 20 degrees to attempt to get stern away from oiler. Ship's continue to close.
XO orders Ahead Flank but CO overrides with All Stop to halt surge. As rigs are cleared both CO's take conn to minimize angle. Ship's collide