Radio conversation

This is the transcript of an actual radio conversation between a US navy vessel with Canadian authorities off Newfoundland in October, 1995. The radio conversation was released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10/10/95:

Americans:

Please divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.

Canadians:

Recommended you 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, divert YOUR course.

Americans:

THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES' ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, 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.


[Back]