OPINIONS


          1.   That the U.S.S. SARSI was operated in a prudent manner by
               those responsible for her employment.   
         
          2.   That no blame attached to any persons in the armed forces of
               the United Nations for the loss of the SARSI and resulting
               personnel casualties.
 
          3.   That the SARSI struck a floating mine.

          4.   That the mine detonated at about frame 20, rupturing the
               hull, rupturing WT bulkhead 20, and admitting large
               quantities of water as far aft as the generator room forward
               bulkhead at frame 38 (the CPO quarters, just forward of
               frame 38, and whose overhead is the main deck, were
               completely flooded); the water then had access to the main
               deck hatches of the generator and motor rooms.

          5.   That it is impracticable to build into small ships sufficient
               watertight integrity to permit the ships to survive a mine
               detonation.

          6.   That in view of the fact that the area was dominated by
               United Nations vessels and boats immediately after the
               sinking, and during the subsequent salvage operations, it is
	       not probable that any classified matter was compromised.

          7.   That claims for all personal losses should be favorably
               considered, since there was not sufficient time (nor
               facilities) for the personnel to take their possessions with
               them when they abandoned ship.


          

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Copyright © 2007, Tom Wilbeck