Japan suspends probe into ACX Crystal-USS Fitzgerald collision

Japan has suspended its safety investigation into the collision between the Aegis-built destroyer USS Fitzgerald and the 2,858-teu containership ACX Crystal (built 2008) after the US Navy and Coastguard declined to pass on critical evidence.

Immediately after the tragedy, which claimed seven US seafarers lives, both sides promised to share information in a joint safety probe.

But Japan has now suspended the investigation after the US failed to pass on crew testimony and evidence about the course the USS Fitzgerald travelled leading up to the collision.