ATP and Destroyed Ships

[JudgeShaun]

When you have multiple ships (at the same pilot skill) with Automated Target Priority about to engage, and the first ship destroys the closest valid target (only ship at range 1 for example), can the next ship shoot another target at a further range, or since the destroyed ship has not be removed front the mat yet, it must be chosen as the closest valid target? 
 

i.e. Does a destroyed ship count as a “valid” target?

[Dee Y]

Destroyed ships that have not yet been removed due to simultaneous fire are valid targets.