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