As survivors and families of the dead sought to come to grips with an early morning boating tragedy that marred the August Monday holiday weekend, authorities yesterday launched an official investigation to determine the exact sequence of events which led to Saturday's tragic collision between the Sea Hauler and the United Star.
Four persons lost their lives while 25 others were injured in the fatal mishap which occurred around 1:30 am.
Authorities said today that those killed in the tragedy were: Lynden Riley, 14, of Winchester Street; Livingston Seymour, no address given; and sisters Brenda Smith-Ellis and Brenell Smith-Leslie of Andros Avenue.
Port Controller Captain Anthony Allens said Monday that the investigation team, chaired by Captain Glen Bain, a nautical inspector with the Bahamas Maritime Authority, will also comprise of senior members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Port Department.
"The scope of the investigation is to determine all pertinent facts from the moment the vessels left Potter's Cay Dock to the time of collision and to ascertain whether safe navigation practices and safe watch keeping practices were observed," Captain Allens said.
The investigators will also examine whether International Maritime Organisation conventions regulating training, certification and watch keeping were adhered to.
The Port Controller indicated that, depending on the findings of the investigation, criminal charges may be brought against the person or persons found to be responsible for the incident.
"Once the preliminary investigation has been presented then a determination will be made for an official investigation which will include, if necessary, litigation," Mr. Allens said.
Officials noted that the account of eyewitnesses to the collision will be essential in their effort to determine the exact cause of the incident and where responsibility will lie.
"The investigation requires the assistance of those persons onboard either vessel who witnessed the accident or who may have information that can be of use to the investigation team," the Port Controller said.
Such persons are asked to present themselves at the Port Authority Building on the Prince George Wharf between 9 am and 5 pm on Tuesday August 5th and Wednesday August 6th to give their account to investigators stationed there.
The investigation team will report to the Controller of the Port Department at the completion of its inquiry.
Members indicated that a preliminary report of their findings should be available by Friday.
The official inquiry began Monday morning with investigators interviewing crew members of both vessels.
Assistant Port Controllers Captain Cyril Roker and Brent Williamson; Senior Commander Albert Armbrister of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; and Port Inspector Cyril Morley will also serve on the investigation team.
The investigators said the purpose of their inquiry is not only to determine the cause of the early morning collision.
"It is expected that upon completion of the investigation, the cause of the accident will be determined and recommendations made to avoid the recurrence of such a tragedy," the Port Controller said.
