Hearings continue on HMS Bounty investigation

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - The U.S. Coast Guard will be holding several hearings into the sinking of the HMS Bounty, which went down off the coast of Cape Hatteras in October.

During the first hearing Tuesday, the owner of the HMS Bounty pled the fifth and would not testify. 

Watch Live: HMS Bounty hearing

A formal investigation into the following items surrounding the sinking was conducted:

• The cause of the accident
• If there is evidence to suggest failure of material or equipment was involved to contribute to a death.
• If there is evidence into any misconduct, inattention to duty, negligence or willful violation of the law by any certified or licensed person.
• If there is evidence that any Coast Guard or other government agency personnel caused or contributed to a death.
• If the accident should be further investigated by a Marine Board of Investigation.

The HMS Bounty sank after taking on water about 90 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. One crew member, Claudene Christian, died shortly after she and other crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard.

Captain Robin Walbridge, 63, is still missing though presumed dead. 

In August, a special about the Bounty was produced in Belfast, Maine and aired on public access. In light of the ship's sinking the video was edited. Watch the 30 minute video below.