The containership that hit the US guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald off Japan last month killing seven navy sailors is sailing again after repairs were completed this week.
A statement from the vessel's owner, Daiichi Invest, said: “Repairs to the containership ACX Crystal, that was in collision with the USS Fitzgerald, have been completed and safety inspection undertaken by the vessel's classification society.
“[The] ACX Crystal left the repair dock on 22 July and with class and authorities' approval departed for Laem Chabang Port, Thailand, on the morning of 23 July, where she will return to service.”
The 2,800-teu capacity ACX Crystal (built 2008) is chartered by Japan’s NYK Line.
The accident is currently under investigation by the Japan Coast Guard, the US Coast Guard and the US' National Transportation Safety Board.
However, leaks from the US Navy appearing in the local media suggest that the initial investigation has identified that the crew of the USS Fitzgerald were at fault for the tragedy.
Although there has been no official statement, a US Defense agency official is quoted as saying under the condition of anonymity: “The way it looks now, it seems that the crew on the [USS] Fitzgerald is going to be at fault.”
The claim is that the crew of the vessel did not take action to avoid the collision until it was too late. Some of the crew of the USS Fitzgerald could face prosecution as a result of the investigation, it is claimed.
Daiichi Invest says it is co-operating fully with the investigation into the accident.
