Investigators looking into the capsize of a cargo ship near Saint Simon's last year have wrapped up hearings on the incident.
Sworn testimony over the last week has detailed everything from the conditions of the ship to the specifics of the accident itself on September 8, 2019.
On the final day, a Coast Guard Naval Architect explained the vessel was topheavy, tipping over as it turned. Lieutenant Ian Oviatt says the Golden Ray did not meet key international safety criteria.
“The vessel could have taken on additional ballast to be in compliance with the 2008 Intact Stability Code. The cargo could have also been shifted so that that cargo was at a lower vertical center of gravity.”
When it’s finished the investigator’s report is expected to make recommendations to prevent similar accidents going forward.