Coast Guard releases transcripts from first El Faro hearings

Curv Photo Of The Stern Of El Faro 160103 N Zz999 550

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Board of Investigation has completed its review of the transcripts for the first public hearing session into the loss of SS El Faro held in February. These transcripts provide a written record of the public proceedings and cover all 10 days of the first session are available by clicking here.

The board remains in the fact-finding phase of its investigation and a third hearing session, anticipated for this winter, will examine additional elements of the investigation including information retrieved from El Faro's voyage data recorder. This final hearing session is anticipated to conclude the fact-finding phase of the investigation. Once the Coast Guard's fact finding is completed, the MBI will shift to the analysis phase and work independently from the National Transportation Safety Board's concurrent investigation. When the MBI completes its report of investigation they will submit it to the commandant of the Coast Guard. After the commandant reviews the report and makes his final determinations on any safety recommendations, it will be made public.

By Professional Mariner Staff