Boat Parade Accidents Prompt Coast Guard Review

An internal review of boating policies has been initiated by the Coast Guard due to accidents involving recreational boaters in San Diego and Charleston Harbor, SC, that resulted in one death and several injuries.

According to the Navy Times, a message that was posted on a Coast Guard blog said the Force Readiness Command has been ordered by Vice Commandant Adm. David Pekoske to conduct “a systematic review of small boat operational doctrine tactics, techniques and procedures and training.” The review is to be completed by August 1, 2010, with interim reports to be submitted until then, the message said.

“We will be aggressive in efforts to identify root causes and address underlying issues in boat forces mishaps,” Commandant Adm. Thad Allen said in the message.

Adm. Pekoske also has directed Rear Adm. Sally Brice O’Hara, the deputy commandant for operations, to establish a boat forces advisory council to serve as a liaison between the field and headquarters to ensure leaders are “linked to field realities.” The council will make recommendations on policy, doctrine, training and other issues affecting the safety of the boat forces community.

In one of the accidents that led to the review, an 8-year-old Anthony DeWeese was killed when the recreational boat he was on with family and friends was struck by a Coast Guard vessel during a Christmas parade in San Diego Bay on December 20. The DeWeese family and two other families who were on the pleasure have filed suit against the Coast Guard, seeking unspecified damages for negligence and wrongful death.

The Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the San Diego Harbor Police are investigating the crash.

The NTSB also is investigating a December 5 accident in Charleston Harbor, SC, involving a collision between a Coast Guard vessel and a commercial catamaran shortly after a Christmas parade. Two people suffered minor injuries.