Coast Guard to Investigate Vessel Fire

The Coast Guard initiated a formal investigation into the marine casualty aboard the motor vessel Miss Calabash II to determine what caused the fire and examine the Coast Guard's vessel inspection methods and procedures implemented for this vessel.  The Miss Calabash II caught fire while at sea off the South Carolina coast last Wednesday, forcing the 23 passengers and three crewmembers to abandon ship. All 26 people were recovered from the water quickly and in good condition by two nearby good Samaritan vessels.     Rear Adm. Steve Branham, Seventh Coast Guard District commander, ordered a District Formal Investigation because the casualty involved the loss of a Coast Guard inspected vessel, which is consistent with Coast Guard policy.  A District Formal Investigation consists of a Coast Guard investigating officer who will receive evidence and testimony using formal rules and procedures. Since the Miss Calabash II was a Coast Guard inspected vessel, the investigation will review all aspects of the marine casualty.