By Matt Underwood The USS Harry S. Truman, a formidable aircraft carrier, collided with a bulk carrier near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea. Incredibly, despite the sheer size and visibility of an aircraft carrier, this collision occurred. The incident raises serious questions about navigation and maritime safety protocols.
The lack of reported injuries and flooding aboard the Truman is undoubtedly fortunate. Given the scale of the vessels involved, the potential for significant damage and casualties was substantial. This fortunate outcome, however, doesn’t diminish the gravity of the event or the need for a thorough investigation.
The initial reaction to the news, unsurprisingly, expresses disbelief. The sheer size of an aircraft carrier—a floating city, as some have put it—makes such a collision almost incomprehensible. It’s not like an aircraft carrier is easy to miss. Many commented on the seemingly impossible nature of the event, with phrases like, “How in the fuck does this even happen?” reflecting the general astonishment.
One common thread in the various reactions is the question of responsibility. Many ask how a large bulk carrier could possibly get so close to an aircraft carrier without being detected. Modern military vessels are equipped with sophisticated radar and navigation systems, making it hard to believe the Truman’s crew wouldn’t have seen the approaching ship. These questions underscore the necessity for a comprehensive investigation to pinpoint the precise cause of the incident.
The size and weight difference between the two vessels are also relevant factors. The sheer scale of the aircraft carrier, a “small town” as one person described it, contrasts starkly with the much smaller size of the bulk carrier involved. This size difference makes it even more baffling how such an encounter could happen. Was the bulk carrier at fault? Did the crew have difficulty spotting the massive Truman against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea? Was the Truman’s radar not functioning properly?
Speculation is rife. Some observers suggest that the collision might have been intentional, although evidence for this theory is absent. Others suggest a potential failure on behalf of support and protection vessels accompanying the Truman. Yet others questioned how such a basic maritime collision could take place in this day and age.
The incident also prompted a wave of humorous comments, including comparisons to elephants and hippos in terms of maritime right of way and the potential for the Captain to be reassigned following the incident. While these comments provide some levity to a potentially serious situation, they highlight the widespread incredulity surrounding the collision.
Many pointed out that sophisticated anti-collision systems are commonplace, even in standard passenger vehicles, highlighting the apparent incongruity of such a system not existing, or at the very least, functioning as expected aboard a billion-dollar warship. The disparity between commercial systems and military systems seems a significant issue that the official investigation should address.
The aftermath of the collision is expected to include a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and assign responsibility. While the lack of reported injuries and flooding is good news, the potential implications for the involved parties—the sailors on both vessels, and for both countries—are substantial, and the outcome may result in significant consequences for the commanding officer.
The accident will almost certainly lead to a review of navigational protocols and safety procedures for both military and commercial vessels in busy shipping lanes. This incident highlights the dangers of complacency, and the potential for human error even with advanced technology at hand.
Furthermore, the incident is a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and adherence to maritime safety regulations. In the context of international shipping, even the most technologically advanced vessels are only as safe as the humans operating them, and this should be a critical area of future analysis. For now, the question remains, how does this even happen? The investigation will hopefully provide some answers.