Family sues government over CA Coast Guard crash that killed boy, 8, during Christmas parade
By APTuesday, February 16, 2010
Family sues over deadly Calif. Coast Guard crash
SAN DIEGO — The family of an 8-year-old boy who was killed when a Coast Guard vessel struck him during a Christmas parade on San Diego Bay is suing the federal government.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in San Diego says the Coast Guard vessel slammed into Alan DeWeese’s 26-foot Sea Ray boat at a high speed, killing his son, Anthony. It seeks unspecified damages for negligence.
DeWeese family attorney Mike Neil says the Coast Guard vessel was traveling 35 to 46 mph during the crowded San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Dec. 20. He says the Coast Guard was apparently not on a rescue mission.
A Coast Guard spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Coast Guard said in December that the collision was being investigated by its own personnel, the National Transportation Safety Board and the San Diego Harbor Police.
