Marine Board of Investigation Established for F/V Destination

The U.S. Coast Guard has convened a Marine Board of Investigation into the loss of F/V Destination and her six crew in the Bering Sea off St. George, Alaska. A Marine Board of Investigation is the highest level of investigation in the Coast Guard. 

Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders in Juneau received an electronic position indicating radio beacon alert February 11 and launched aircraft crews. The emergency signal came from a location about two miles northwest of St. George Island. The aircrews located a debris field in the area which included a life ring from the vessel, buoys, tarps and an oil sheen. 

The search for 98-foot fishing boat from Seattle was suspended after a three-day search. Weather on scene was reported as 25-mph winds, two to four-foot seas, air temperature of 21 degrees, sea temperature of 38 degrees and light snow.

During the course of the investigation, panel members must decide:

•    The factors that contributed to the accident
•    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
•    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

The National Transportation Safety Board is participating alongside the Coast Guard in the investigation, but will produce an independent report with its own findings.