News Release

WILMINGTON, N.C. - The Coast Guard adjourned three days of formal hearings at the New Hanover County Courthouse Friday for a parasailing accident Aug. 28 in which two women died in Ocean Isle, N.C.

Beginning Wednesday, Coast Guard marine investigators questioned the president of the parasailing company, North Carolina Water Sports, the crew of the vessel Tied High, several of its passengers, and a National Weather Service representative, to obtain detailed statements and finalize the timeline of events leading up to the accident and the associated response.

“Our goal is to determine what caused this particular accident and review all of the information gathered to help prevent these tragedies in the future,” said Lt. Chester Warren, the investigating officer.

The entire investigation, along with the lead investigator’s conclusions and recommendations, will ultimately be forwarded to Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., for final review.

Once approved, the findings will be available to the public.

During a three-day session of formal hearings at the New Hanover County Courthouse here, parties of interest answer questions Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, before a panel of Coast Guard investigators about the deaths of two women, killed while parasailing, Aug. 28, 2009 in Ocean Isle, N.C. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke Pinneo)