A Coast Guard investigating officer has found no legal justification for a deadly collision last year between a Coast Guard boat and a smaller vessel before a holiday parade in San Diego bay.
Cmdr. J.R. Hamilton issued the report after reviewing evidence last week against three Coast Guard members charged in the December crash that killed 8-year-old Anthony DeWeese.
The collision occurred as boats were gathered for an annual Christmas boat parade. The Coast Guard boat was responding to a report of a grounded vessel when it rammed a pleasure boat.
The report says the Coast Guard should have known that driving the boat fast in a crowded harbor would be dangerous.
The report, cited Monday in the Los Angeles Times, was forwarded to Rear Adm. Joseph R. Castillo, who will decide whether to order a court martial.
