The US Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have concluded the formal public hearing proceedings into the sinking of the liftboat Seacor Power, the coast said on Friday, August 13.
The joint investigation board reviewed and considered evidence related to the loss of the vessel, which occurred on April 13, 2021.
The board heard from 31 witnesses, who provided testimony into the conditions influencing the vessel prior to and at the time of the casualty. Testimony also focused on weather, training, Seacor Power's material condition, owner and operator organisational structures and culture, the regulatory compliance record of the vessel, coast guard policy, and practices related to vessel design, engineering and inspections.
Additionally, 230 pieces of evidence were identified as exhibits of public record regarding the investigation.
Marine Board of Investigation Chairwoman Captain Tracy Phillips said the board will continue to collect and review any evidence that may be submitted in the future while transitioning to the analysis phase of the investigation.
Once the board compiles its findings into a report of investigation, that report will be publicly released after the convening authority, the coast guard commandant, evaluates the recommendations and releases a final action memo outlining the coast guard's position on the board's recommendations.
The formal hearing convened daily from 08:00 through 17:00 Central Daylight Time from August 2 through 13. The hearing was broadcast live as a matter of public record.