![The Most Intense Bridge Conversation EVER – USS Porter Collides With Supertanker [BRIDGE RECORDING AUDIO]](https://gcaptain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/USS-Porter-635x422.jpeg)
Updated: June 20, 2017 (Originally published May 14, 2013)
On August 12, 2012, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Porter collided with a Mitsui OSK Lines’ supertanker M/T Otowasan near the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. The collision tore a 3 by 3 meter (9.8 ft — 9.8 ft) hole in the starboard side of the destroyer, forcing it to Jebel Ali, Dubai for repairs. No one was injured however.
The ship’s captain, Cmdr. Martin Arriola, was subsequently relieved of command and replaced by Cmdr. Dave Richardson. On 12 October 2012, the Porter rejoined Carrier Strike Group Twelve for its transit through the Suez Canal following extensive repairs to the ship.
Navy Times released the following USS Porter bridge recording of the conversation between Cmdr. Arriola and the OOD leading up to and during the collision….
gCaptain Forum Discussion: BRIDGE recording of PORTER (DDG78) collision
Audio background from Navy Times:
The pilothouse recording above begins immediately after Porter turned left to pass ahead of a ship going the opposite direction. The destroyer, with another warship following, had been headed southwest on course 230 at 20 knots.
The officer of the deck wanted to steer right to come back to this base course. This aggravated Porter’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Martin Arriola, who was focused on shipping traffic headed the opposite way and converging on the channel back through the Strait of Hormuz. Arriola and the OOD are the most prominent voices in the recording. Others relayed course and speed changes to the amphibious dock landing ship Gunston Hall, which was following Porter.
After clearing the vessel, the OOD spotted another ship later determined to be a supertanker, behind it and realized Porter was in danger. Arriola decided to turn left, an unusual maneuver, to streak ahead of a ship’s bow a second time. Read More…
Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update
Essential maritime and offshore news, insights, and updates delivered daily straight to your inbox
The U.S. Navy has issued a Request for Proposal for a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) to oversee production of the Medium Landing Ship, marking a significant departure from traditional shipbuilding...
The Pentagon is sending an aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, a move that would put two carriers in the region as tensions soar between the United States and Iran.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG-103) and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) collided during a replenishment-at-sea operation in the Caribbean on Tuesday afternoon, according to U.S. Southern Command.
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
