Watch A US Navy Warship Swerve To Avoid Russian Destroyer Crash

The United States Navy has released two videos showing the 'unsafe maneuver' Russian Destroyer UDALOY I DD 572 made toward the USS Chancellorsville, a guided missile cruiser, while in the Philippine Sea. The incident took place at around 11:45AM on Friday, June 7, and involved the destroyer coming within approximately 50ft – 100ft of the USS Chancellorsville.

News and videos of the incident were released by the US Navy's 7th Fleet today, which reports that the USS Chancellorsville was 'forced' to 'execute all engines back full and to maneuver to avoid a collision.' The USS Chancellorsville was busy recovering a helicopter when the Russian warship pulled the move.

The US Navy called the maneuver 'unsafe and unprofessional,' also saying it was 'not in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), "Rules of the Road," and internationally recognized maritime customs.'

The first of the two videos released by the 7th Fleet show both calm waters and clear conditions; it also shows the Russian ship rapidly approaching the USS Chancellorsville. Crew members on both ships are visible in the videos, which show the two vessels were close enough for people aboard both to see each other.

Russian news agency Tass has published its own version of story, claiming the USS Chancellorsville 'suddenly changed its course and crossed the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer's course some 50 meters away form the ship.' The Russian government claims its ship was forced to conduct an 'emergency maneuver' to avoid a collision.