This
is the actual radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities
off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995. Radio conversation released
by the chief of naval operations, 10-10-95.
CANADIANS:
Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
AMERICANS:
Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.
CANADIANS:
Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south
to avoid a collision.
AMERICANS:
This is the captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
CANADIANS:
No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.
AMERICANS:
This is the Aircraft Carrier US LINCOLN, the second largest ship in the
United States Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied with three Destroyers,
three Cruisers and numerous support vessels. I DEMAND that you change
your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that's one-five degrees north,
or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
CANADIANS:
This is a lighthouse. Your call.