off the coast of Kerry in 1998

Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10.10.98.

IRISH: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

BRITISH: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.

IRISH: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

BRITISH: This is the captain of a British navy ship.  I say again divert YOUR course.

IRISH: Negative. I say again, you will have to divert your course.

BRITISH: This is the aircraft carrier HMS Britannia, the second largest ship in the British Atlantic fleet!

We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels.

I demand that you change your course 15 degrees to the north.

I say again, that is 15 degrees north, or counter measures will be undertaken to ensure the

safety of this ship.

IRISH:  We are a lighthouse…….Your call.