Dramatic Video Shows Russian Destroyer Nearly Colliding With Navy Warship

A Russian destroyer nearly collided with a U.S. warship on the Philippine Sea on Friday (June 7), forcing the American ship to engage in emergency maneuvers to avoid crashing. The USS Chancellorsville, a guided-missile cruiser, came within 50 to 100 feet of the Russian anti-submarine destroyer after the Russian vessel made an "unsafe maneuver."

The Navy released a video and satellite photo showing how close the two ships were to crashing into each other.

"We consider Russia's actions during this interaction as unsafe and unprofessional and not in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), 'Rules of the Road,' and internationally recognized maritime customs," the 7th Fleet said in a statement.

Russian state media has blamed the USS Chancellorsville for the near-miss, saying "the cruiser Chancellorsville suddenly changed its direction and crossed within 50 meters of the Admiral Vinogradov," forcing the ship to take evasive action.

Photo: U.S. Navy