WESLACO – U.S. officials just released a report of preliminary findings on the collision between the U.S.S. Fitzgerald and a cargo ship off the coast of Japan.

The same accident that claimed the lives of seven U.S. sailors in June, including Gunners Mate Second Class Noe Hernandez of Weslaco.

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According to two defense officials, preliminary findings suggest the crew failed to understand and acknowledge the cargo ship was approaching and failed to take any action necessary to avoid the collision.

The initial findings are just the first stage in what is expected to be a lengthy inquiry.

Investigators are also looking into the possibility that the U.S.S. Fitzgerald was traveling at a higher speed so it could make an arrival time the next day.

The findings will now be reviewed by the seventh fleet commander.

In addition to the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and Japanese Naval and Maritime authorities are all conducting investigations.