Loss of Tall Ship 'Bounty': Coast Guard Release Findings
The U.S. Coast Guard informs it has released its report of investigation of the October 2012 sinking of the tall ship 'Bounty', during which one crewmember died and another remains missing and is presumed dead, off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The findings in the report conclude that a combination of faulty management and crew risk assessment procedures contributed to the sinking. Specifically, choosing to navigate a vessel in insufficient material condition in close proximity to an approaching hurricane with an inexperienced crew was highlighted. As a result of the investigation, the report recommends that the Coast Guard review the existing policy for attraction vessels, including vessel manning and operating status.
Loss of the Tall Ship Bounty: Official Report
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has determined that the probable cause of the sinking of tall ship 'Bounty' was the captain's reckless decision to sail the vessel into the well forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy, which subjected the aging vessel and the inexperienced crew to conditions from which the vessel could not recover. Contributing to the sinking was the lack of effective safety oversight by the vessel organization. On October 29, 2012, the tall ship Bounty sank off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, while attempting to transit through the forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy.