WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a second round of public hearings for the Marine Board of Investigation into the loss of the United States-flagged steam ship El Faro, and its 33 crewmembers. The second hearing will focus on shipboard operations, cargo loading, lashing and stowage operations for the accident voyage while also examining the vessel's forecasted stability and weather conditions forecasted and encountered. In addition, the regulatory oversight for the El Faro will be examined to determine and potential implications of that oversight on the accident voyage. The third hearing (date to be determined) will examine additional elements of the investigation including crew witnesses, TOTE company officials and contents of the El Faro's Voyage Data Recorder if it can be recovered and analyzed. The National Transportation Safety Board, which is conducting its own investigation, will fully participate in the Marine Board of Investigation hearings.
What: Marine Board of InvestigationWhen: Daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET Monday, May 16 – Friday, May 27. There are no witnesses currently scheduled for Saturday, May 21 or Sunday, May 22. However, if the MBI needs to expand the schedule we will update the media accordingly. Where: Prime F. Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
How: There are several ways interested parties may stay up to date with the MBI proceedings.
The Coast Guard will be tweeting live hearing updates from @uscoastguard with the following hashtags: #CGMBI #Elfaro.
An e-mail has been set up for interested parties to ask questions or make comments. This e-mail will be checked regurarly. The e-mail is: ELFARO@uscg.mil
The Coast Guard is also hosting a live stream of the proceedings. The web address for the live stream is: livestream.com/Elfaro
You can find the full schedule on the Coast Guard News Room: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doctype/4007/286370/ The schedule is subject to change based on factors including, but not limited to witness and Board availability, time and weather. Please follow @uscoastguard on Twitter or the Coast Guard Maritime Commons blog for the most up to date changes.
Media coverage: Reporters must register to attend the hearing by emailing: alana.l.ingram@uscg.mil. Media must register no later than 4 p.m Friday, May 13. The hearing venue will be open to media for a site survey and set up Friday, May 13 from 1-3 p.m.
Contact:Alana Ingram, Public Affairs Office, alana.l.ingram@uscg.mil, 202-372-4632
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