Coast Guard, NTSB to Host Formal Hearing Into HMS Bounty Sinking

Photos of the HMS Bounty replica sinking during Superstorm Sandy Image: USCG

The Coast Guard said Thursday that it will convene a formal hearing in February together with the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the October 29th sinking of the tall ship Bounty and resulting multiple loss of life.

The Coast Guard says that 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 will also make recommendations on issues to consider, identify and examine witnesses, and submit or request additional evidence in the course of the investigation.

The Tall Ship Bounty sank approximately 90 miles southeast of Hatteras, N.C. during superstorm Sandy. The Coast Guard searched for 90 hours, covering 12,000 overlapping square nautical miles after receiving a distress call. The Captain of the Bounty and a crew memeber, 42-year old Claudene Christian, died in the incident.

The hearing will be held February 12th through the 21st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center at 425 Water Street in Portsmouth, VA.

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