WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a public Marine Board of Investigation hearing into the loss of the Fishing Vessel Destination, and its six crewmembers. This hearing session will focus on weather and human factors as well as the mechanical state and stability of the vessel before and during its final voyage. The National Transportation Safety Board, which conducted its own investigation, will fully participate in the Marine Board of Investigation hearings.
What: Marine Casualty Board of Investigation
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST Monday, August 7 – Friday, August 18, 2017
Where: Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, 4th floor Auditorium, 915 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104
Reporters must register to attend the hearing by emailing: alana.l.miller@uscg.mil. Media must register no later than 4 p.m Friday, August 4, 2017.
The investigation will determine as closely as possible:
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The factors that contributed to the accident.
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Whether there is evidence that any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, negligence or willful violation of the law on the part of any licensed or certificated person contributed to the casualty.
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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.
Ground Rules for the Destination Marine Board Investigation hearing are:
Reporters may attend open sessions of the Marine Board, as may members of the public as long as they do not detract from the decorum of the proceedings or inhibit a witness' willingness to testify. The Coast Guard's policy is to permit expanded media coverage of marine casualty investigations therefore audio and video recordings are authorized.
- Media pooling will be required.
- Witnesses will not be available for interviews until the Marine Board Chairman releases them from their testimony.
- Entering and exiting the hearing room shall be conducted only during designated breaks.
- No extreme close-ups of documents, witnesses and/or members of the Marine Board.
- Bench conferences shall not be recorded by audio or by extreme close-up video or photography.
- Media members must prominently display their credentials at all times and remain within assigned area.
- Confidential communications between counsel and client or co-counsel shall not be recorded by audio or by extreme close-up video or photography.
- Questions regarding the proceedings shall be directed to the Coast Guard media liaison. A liaison will be present at the venue throughout the hearing.
Failure to adhere to these rules or other verbal instructions may result in removal from the hearings.
Alana Miller, Public Affairs Office, alana.l.miller@uscg.mil, 202-372-4632
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.
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