Formal hearing to be held for Tall Ship Bounty sinking
- By WorkBoat
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard will convene a formal hearing, Feb. 12 to Feb. 21, at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center here to investigate the sinking, with multiple loss of life, of the Tall Ship Bounty, which occurred Oct. 29.
The Tall Ship Bounty sank approximately 90 miles southeast of Hatteras, N.C., during what’s become known as Superstorm Sandy. The Coast Guard searched for 90 hours, covering 12,000 overlapping square nautical miles after receiving a distress call.
The investigation will examine the facts and circumstances relating to the sinking of the vessel and will develop conclusions and recommendations to improve the safety and operations of similar vessels. The National Transportation Safety Board is also participating in the investigation, and they can make recommendations on issues to consider, identify and examine witnesses and submit or request additional evidence in the course of the investigation.