Cole Reportedly Didn't Follow Security Plan

Dec. 8 -- Navy investigators have tentatively concluded that the captain of the USS Cole did not fully implement a port security plan before his ship was struck by terrorists, ABCNEWS has learned.

Investigators found that Cmdr. Kirk Lippold failed to implement about one fourth of the 80-to-85 specific “force protection” measures that he himself had outlined, U.S. sources said.

Had the additional steps been taken, the terrorist attack might have been averted, investigators reportedly concluded.

The warship was badly damaged, and 17 sailors were killed, when an explosives-laden small boat drew right next to the Cole and detonated as it took on fuel in Yemen’s Aden harbor on Oct. 12.

But investigators also acknowledge that even if Lippold had done all these things, terrorists might still have gotten through.

The Steps to Safety

Details of the Cole’s self-protection plan, which was approved by higher-level commanders, have never been revealed.

At the time of the blast, the Cole was in what is known as “Threat Condition Bravo,” which requires guards on deck to keep small boats away and mount a close watch for possible attacks during a refueling operation.

Sources told ABCNEWS that at the time of the attack, fire hoses were not “at the ready” on deck to keep small craft away, there was no coordinated effort to keep track of all the small boat traffic nearby, and the Cole’s own small boat was not in a position to be quickly launched to investigate suspicious craft.

Officials said earlier that guards on the deck of the Cole were carrying weapons without bullets.

However, there was no indication where security for the ship might have broken down.

The Threat of Punishment

Sources said it was too early to say whether the Navy would hold anyone from the Cole accountable.

If Navy investigators determine that important security measures were not taken, then Lippold, the Cole’s captain, could be held accountable and his career damaged, officials said.