Coast Guard Concludes Public Hearing Into Seacor Power Capsizing

The U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board have concluded the formal public hearing proceedings into the sinking of the Seacor Power lift boat.

The joint investigation board reviewed and considered evidence related to the loss of the vessel, which occurred on April 13, 2021 off the coast of Port Fourchon, Louisiana, resulting in the death of 13 people.

Over the course of the 10 day hearing, the board heard from 31 witnesses providing testimony into the conditions influencing the vessel prior to and at the time of the casualty. Witnesses included Seacor Power’s first mate, Captain Bryan Mires, and Dwayne Lewis, a contractor who was on board as Seacor Power when it capsized, as well representatives from ABS, U.S. Coast Guard, Seacor, Talos, and the National Weather Service, among others.

Testimony also focused on weather, training, the Seacor Power’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. Additionally, 230 pieces of evidence were identified as exhibits of public record regarding the investigation.

The Seacor Power capsized on April 13, 2021, approximately seven miles south of Port Fourchon with 19 crew members on board. Six were initially rescue and six were recovered unresponsive during the search and rescue. Seven were never found. A NTSB preliminary report issued in May revealed that the Seacor Power capsized as it was attempting to turn into the wind and lowering its legs to ride out a thunderstorm after having loaded offshore equipment in Port Fourchon earlier in the day.

“Today marks the conclusion of this public hearing, but it does not mark the end of our work as a Marine Board of Investigation,” said Marine Board of Investigation Chairwoman Capt. Tracy Phillips, U.S. Coast Guard. “We will continue to collect and review any evidence that may be submitted in the future. We will also begin our transition to the analysis phase of this investigation, and then later start compiling our report. On behalf of the entire board, I’d like to express our deepest condolences to the friends, shipmates, and families of the mariners who were lost during this accident. Our investigation can’t change the outcome of this tragic event, but our team is determined to examine every aspect of the incident, to push for any needed changes to enhance maritime safety and to prevent similar casualties from occurring in the future.”

Once the Board compiles its findings into a report of investigation, that report will be publicly released after the convening authority, the Commandant, evaluates the recommendations and releases a final action memo outlining the Coast Guard’s position on the Board’s recommendations.

Recordings of the proceedings are available here. Documents, exhibits, videos and other hearing information is available at https://www.news.uscg.mil/News-by-Region/Headquarters/Seacor-Power/

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