The following is a Nov. 30, 2017, Navy report on the May 9, 2017, collision between USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) and a fishing vessel, which the Navy determined was avoidable.
Introduction
USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57) collided with fishing vessel NAM YANG 502 on 9 May 2017 in the Sea of Japan.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN is a Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser homeported in San Diego, California. Approximately 400 Sailors serve aboard LAKE CHAMPLAIN. LAKE CHAMPLAIN is 567 feet in length, 55 feet wide, and carries a gross tonnage of approximately 10,200 tons.
NAM YANG 502 is a fishing vessel with an unknown crew size. NAM YANG 502 is approximately 60 feet in length, 15 feet wide, and carries a gross tonnage of approximately 10 tons. NAM YANG 502 was en route to the Republic of Korea prior to the collision.
The collision between LAKE CHAMPLAIN and NAM YANG 502 resulted in no injuries. Each vessel sustained minor hull damage.
Summary of Findings
The Navy determined that numerous failures occurred on the part of watchstanders as follows:
Failure to execute basic watchstanding practices.
Failure to adhere to sound navigation practices.
Failure to properly use available navigation tools.
Failure to respond deliberately and effectively when in extremis.
