Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Scandies Rose hearing opens with interview of owner Dan Mattsen

Scandies Rose. Photo: via Facebook.
Scandies Rose. Photo: via Facebook.

The Scandies Rose Hearing run by the Coast Guard began today with an introduction by the Coast Guard and a rundown of facts about the F/V Scandies Rose. They also presented the mayday call and side-scan imaging of the final resting place of the 130-foot crab boat. This was followed by a moment of silence.

The Scandies Rose sank on New Year’s Eve of 2019, around 10 p.m. shortly after leaving port in Kodiak. Five of the seven crew were lost. The vessel sank just south of Sutwick Island.

Dan Mattsen was then called to give testimony as the owner of the Scandies Rose. He was questioned on the ownership and corporate structure, the state of repair of the vessel, maintenance, and his relevant experience as a longtime fisherman, particularly while fishing nearby on the night of the tragedy.

These questions focused on the history of maintenance and repair on the Scandies Rose and the reports of relevant inspections, which seemed to indicate that the Scandies Rose was in good condition.

One document logging emergency drills was dated for the evening of the tragedy. Officials say it indicates the crew reviewed immersion suits, radio distress call procedures, and abandoning ship procedures mere hours before the sinking.

The board is expected to hear more testimony this afternoon.