The US Coast Guard is investigating its own role as part of its overall marine investigation hearing into the loss last year of the American cargo ship El Faro and its 33 crew members.
The 40-year-old US-flagged steam ship went missing near the Bahamas on October last year after sailing into the eye of Hurricane Joaquin. The last contact with the ship was a call from El Faro’s captain to the office of owner Tote Maritime to report that the ship had taken on water, was listing 15 degrees and had lost propulsion while caught in the hurricane.
The first session of the hearings, to take place February 16-26, focuses on the pre-accident historical events relating to the loss, the regulatory compliance record of the El Faro, crewmember duties and qualifications, past operations of the vessel and the Coast Guard’s search and rescue operations, the Coast Guard said.
The second hearing - date still to be determined - will focus on the accident voyage, including cargo loading, weather conditions and navigation.
The Coast Guard’s investigation into itself will determine whether there is evidence that any Coast Guard personnel or any representative or employee of any other government agency or any other person caused or contributed to the casualty.
(Source: gCaptain)
