The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(HOUSTON) (May 28) — The Coast Guard, working with the National Transportation Safety Board, will begin a formal hearing at the Galveston County Criminal Justice Center Monday at 1 p.m., to receive testimony regarding the collision between the Summer Wind and Miss Susan.
The Coast Guard is conducting a formal marine casualty investigation into the cause of the collision in the Houston Ship Channel that occurred March 22 and resulted in the spill of 168,000 gallons of fuel oil into the water.
This hearing is open to the general public, however space is limited. The hearing room will open to the public and media one half hour prior to the start of the proceedings, or approximately 7:30 a.m. each day after the midday start Monday. The hearings will conclude Friday, June 6.
The Coast Guard will accept public comments regarding this investigation. All comments should be sent to INCOE@uscg.mil using "FORMAL HEARING COMMENT" as the subject, for consideration by the lead investigating officer.
The purpose of the Coast Guard marine casualty investigation and formal board hearing is to examine the causes of a marine casualty, make recommendations to help avoid a similar incident, improve overall maritime transportation safety, and promote safety of life and property at sea.
The investigation and formal board are not intended to fix civil or criminal responsibility.
The final report of investigation will be made available to the public once reviewed and approved. No analysis or conclusions will be presented during the hearing.
