Coast Guard Expresses Sadness, Sorrow

The investigations will take several months

A high-ranking Coast Guard official is asking for the public's patience after Sunday night's deadly accident involving a Coast Guard boat. The investigations could take several months.

"I can find no words to adequately express the deep sadness and sorrow we share with the DeWeese family in their time of loss and tragedy," Rear Admiral Joseph Castillo said.

Anthony Cole DeWeese, 8, was on board a 26-foot Sea Ray with family getting ready to watch dozens of boats participate in the second weekend of the Parade of Lights.

Witnesses say a 33 foot long coast guard vessel, like this one, had it's lights on, and appeared to be going at a high rate of speed as it headed to an emergency call involving a grounded boat.

Moments later, it struck a private boat carrying Anthony DeWeese and 12 other people.

DeWeese died. Five others were injured, including two small children.

"We pray for the recovery for everybody else injured in this accident," Castillo said.

The Coast Guard, NTSB and Harbor Police are trying to find out what happened and who was at fault. They’re closely examining both boats involved in the crash, and listening to radio traffic recordings and distress calls.

"The actions of this particular coast guard crew seemed to be less than safe," witness Roger Parrish said on Monday.

Rear admiral Castillo promised transparency and accountability when investigators reveal their findings.

"We will remain standing the watch, we will be out there to assist people in distress and we will work hard to maintain the public's trust and confidence," Castillo said.

Investigators are hoping to find some surveillance or home video of the crash. They're asking anyone with video to call the coast guard.

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