NTSB Set to Determine Probable Cause in Deadly Scandies Rose Sinking

The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a virtual public board meeting later this month to determine the probable cause for the 2019 New Year’s Eve sinking of the fishing vessel Scandies Rose.

The Scandies Rose sank December 31, 2019, approximately 2.5 miles south of Sutwik Island, Alaska, resulting in the deaths of five of the vessel’s seven crew members. Their bodies were never recovered.

During the meeting, 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.

The NTSB in May opened the public docket from its ongoing investigation. The docket includes more than 4,500 pages of factual information, including interview transcripts, photographs and other investigative materials. It contains only factual information collected by NTSB investigators and there are no conclusions about how or why the Scandies Rose sank.

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.

The U.S. Coast Guard previously convened a Marine Board of Investigation back in February to consider evidence related to the accident, with testimony from 43 witnesses into the conditions influencing the vessel prior to and at the time of the casualty. The Marine Board of Investigation is expected to compile its own findings into a report of investigation which will be publicly released.

The NTSB board meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 29, starting at 9:30 a.m. ET, and will be streamed live to the public, with the board members and investigative staff meeting virtually. Due to COVID-19 precautions, there will be no physical gathering for the board meeting.