NTSB to Hold Meeting to Determine Probable Cause for FV Scandies Rose Sinking

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced Thursday its plan to hold a public board meeting to determine the probable cause for the 2019 sinking of the fishing vessel Scandies Rose.

The 130-foot Scandies Rose sank December 31, 2019 about 2.5 miles south of Sutwik Island, Alaska with the loss of five crew members. Two others were rescued.

The loss of the Scandies Rose marked the worst accident to hit Alaska’s commercial fishing industry since the sinking of the F/V Destination with the loss of all six crew members in February 2017.

During the meeting, scheduled for June 29, the NTSB’s five-member board will vote on the findings, probable cause and recommendations as well as any changes to the draft final report.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and out of caution, the board meeting will be webcast to the public with the board members and investigative staff meeting virtually. There will be no physical gathering to facilitate the board meeting.

The Coast Guard previously convened a Marine Board of Investigation concluding in March to consider evidence related to the accident.

Over the course of the 10-day hearing, the board heard from 43 witnesses who provided testimony into the conditions influencing the vessel prior to and at the time of the casualty. Testimony also focused on weather, icing, training fisheries, the Scandies Rose’s material condition, owner and operator organizational structures and culture, the regulatory compliance record of the vessel, Coast Guard policy, and practices related to vessel design, engineering and inspections. In addition, 130 pieces of evidence were identified as exhibits of public record regarding the investigation.

The Marine Board of Investigation is now expected to compile its findings into a report of investigation which will be publicly released after the Coast Guard Commandant evaluates recommendations and releases a final action memo outlining the Coast Guard’s position on the Board’s recommendations.

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