USCG to investigate Bounty incident

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - A formal investigation into the sinking of the HMS Bounty has been ordered by Rear Adm. Steven Ratti with the Coast Guard 5th District.

According to the Coast Guard, a district formal investigation will involve an investigating officer looking into the following items:

• The cause of the accident
• If there is evidence to suggest failure of material or equipment was involved to contribute to a death.
• If there is evidence into any misconduct, inattention to duty, negligence or willful violation of the law by any certified or licensed person.
• If there is evidence that any Coast Guard or other government agency personnel caused or contributed to a death.
• If the accident should be further investigated by a Marine Board of Investigation.

The HMS Bounty sank after taking on water Monday about 90 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. One crew member, Claudene Christian, died shortly after she and other crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard.

Captain Robin Walbridge, 63, is still missing. Coast Guard crews suspended the search for Walbridge Thursday.

The investigating officer will be Cmdr. Kevin M. Carroll. Carroll is with the Coast Guard 5th District Marine Inspections and Investigations Branch and will be assisted by investigating officers from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington, N.C.