SINKING OF CRUISER
COURT MARTIAL SITTING I CAPTAIN GIVES EVIDENCE WASHINGTON, Dec. 18. Captain McVay gave evidence at the court-martial that he did not order a zig-zag course on the night the Indianapolis was sunk because there was no moon and visibility was poor. He was sleeping when the torpedoes struck. He immediately went on deck and ordered the transmission of a distress message. The damage control officer shortly afterwards reported that an examination had indicated that the ship was badly damaged. McVay said he did not order the ship to be abandoned because she was on a fairly even keel and he thought the damage could be controlled. He ordered the control officer to make another check, and then the executive officer recommended abandoning the ship because the damage was so extensive. McVay immediately ordered abandonment, and went himself to the radio room to ensure that the distress message was sent out. The ship suddenly listed to 60 degrees, and half a minute later went to 90 degrees. McVay stood upright on the ship’s side and was swept off by a wave. “ I struck out in the darkness, heard a swish, looked back, and the ship was gone,” he said.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 26033, 22 December 1945, Page 4
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201SINKING OF CRUISER Otago Daily Times, Issue 26033, 22 December 1945, Page 4
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