The following is the transcript of an actual radio conversation in October 1995 between a U.S. Navy ship and the British authorities off the Scottish North coast. The transcript was released by the MoD on the 10/10/95.
BRITISH: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the South to
Avoid collision.
U.S. NAVY: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the
North to avoid a collision.
BRITISH: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15
degrees to the South to avoid a collision.
U.S. NAVY: This is the Captain of U.S. Navy Ship, I say again,
Divert YOUR course.
BRITISH: Negative, I say again, you will have to divert your
course.
U.S. NAVY: THIS IS THE CAPTAIN OF THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS
LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET, WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS, DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT'S 15 DEGREES NORTH OR COUNTER MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
BRITISH: WE ARE A LIGHTHOUSE. SOD OFF!!!
Every word is true. Love you guys, but you sometimes make me laugh!
