Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Evidence Hearing on Scandies Rose Concluded

Officials with the U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board recently wrapped up a public hearing in which they reviewed the evidence surrounding the Dec. 31, 2019, sinking of the commercial fishing vessel, Scandies Rose.

About 43 witnesses offered their testimony, which ranged from weather conditions to the vessel’s record of complying with regulations. The hearing also included 130 pieces of evidence, according to the USCG.

“The public hearing is a crucial element of the investigation process,” said Marine Board of Investigation Chairman Capt. Greg Callaghan, U.S. Coast Guard. “This hearing presented and confirmed many facts and details surrounding the events that led to the sinking of Scandies Rose and loss of five lives. The goal of this investigation is to improve any practice, procedure, policy or regulation that can prevent the loss of lives in the future.”

The board expects to release a report on the findings of its investigation in the near future.