Fatal accident on Buzzards Bay
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Ran up on the stern.. wasn't ANYONE watching where the boat was going!??
This story makes me sick to my stomach..
cup
Ran up on the stern.. wasn't ANYONE watching where the boat was going!??
This story makes me sick to my stomach..
cup
Stuff happens....
A few years ago, a friend of mine was sailing his 28-ft Cape Dory in broad daylight with all sails up. No other boats in sight -- except a largish trawler. Try as he might, to include tacking and blowing his horn, he could not elude the trawler which eventually caught his shrouds in its anchor roller and dismasted the Cape Dory and did serious damage to the topsides, deck, and rail. My friend believes the so-called captain of the trawler was "otherwise occupied below" and had his boat on auto-pilot even though they were both near the shore. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that this was the case with the powerboat/sailboat accident described in this thread.
While my friend was luckily not hurt, and the other guy's insurance paid for a new mast, new standing rigging, and a lot of gelcoat repair, the paperwork was endless and the repairs took nearly two years to complete.
My friend (and I) now sail by these rules: (1) presume the other guy does not know what he's doing, and (2) if the other guy is bigger than you, get out of his way, and do it early.
Be careful out there folks.
A few years ago, a friend of mine was sailing his 28-ft Cape Dory in broad daylight with all sails up. No other boats in sight -- except a largish trawler. Try as he might, to include tacking and blowing his horn, he could not elude the trawler which eventually caught his shrouds in its anchor roller and dismasted the Cape Dory and did serious damage to the topsides, deck, and rail. My friend believes the so-called captain of the trawler was "otherwise occupied below" and had his boat on auto-pilot even though they were both near the shore. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that this was the case with the powerboat/sailboat accident described in this thread.
While my friend was luckily not hurt, and the other guy's insurance paid for a new mast, new standing rigging, and a lot of gelcoat repair, the paperwork was endless and the repairs took nearly two years to complete.
My friend (and I) now sail by these rules: (1) presume the other guy does not know what he's doing, and (2) if the other guy is bigger than you, get out of his way, and do it early.
Be careful out there folks.
VHF Yesterday
WE were out sailing off Orient Point yesterday
in very lite winds and could here the Coast Guard
and many other boats boaters reporting the accident,they
were reporting that a sailor was missing off the boat and in the water.
It is a shame when a big power boat that size runs
up the back of your sailboat.
I will have to tell my wife now and she will be even
more worried when we go out sailing with all these
power boats zooming by.
It just go's to show you always need to be very alert
when out on our boats,my wife will drive me crazy now even
more than ever.
It is a dame shame to see someone lose their life enjoying
something they enjoy doing.
Nick
WE were out sailing off Orient Point yesterday
in very lite winds and could here the Coast Guard
and many other boats boaters reporting the accident,they
were reporting that a sailor was missing off the boat and in the water.
It is a shame when a big power boat that size runs
up the back of your sailboat.
I will have to tell my wife now and she will be even
more worried when we go out sailing with all these
power boats zooming by.
It just go's to show you always need to be very alert
when out on our boats,my wife will drive me crazy now even
more than ever.
It is a dame shame to see someone lose their life enjoying
something they enjoy doing.
Nick
Nancy and I were taking a cruise ship over to
Grand Bahama several years ago. While crossing the gulf stream I notice a fairly large cabin cruiser off our port beam. With not much else to watch, the women were mostly green( we had north winds at about 20 against the stream) I kept an eye on this boat he maintained a constant bearing off our port side for about half an hour and suddenly turned and passed under our stern. I could see his boot stripe as he went by. We could only guess that he wasn't keeping a watch and was running on an autopilot. The ships bridge never sounded a whistle. They may have hailed him on radio.
Grand Bahama several years ago. While crossing the gulf stream I notice a fairly large cabin cruiser off our port beam. With not much else to watch, the women were mostly green( we had north winds at about 20 against the stream) I kept an eye on this boat he maintained a constant bearing off our port side for about half an hour and suddenly turned and passed under our stern. I could see his boot stripe as he went by. We could only guess that he wasn't keeping a watch and was running on an autopilot. The ships bridge never sounded a whistle. They may have hailed him on radio.
Nancy and I watch 360 degrees all the time.
We both can tell if a boat is going to pass or is holding steady on a collision course.
We both can tell if a boat is going to pass or is holding steady on a collision course.
Lake County CA
In Lake County, here in California, a power boat going about 50 knots ran into a sailboat at night. The sailboat owner was busy in the cabin and a passenger on the boat was steering. He was just marginally over the dui limit (which had been just recently reduced; by the previous limit he'd have been legal). There was some question as to whether the sailboat had its lights on as it was night time. However, since it wasn't far from shore, it is doubtful if the power boat owner would have been able to distinguish the lights from the lights on shore anyway. Another passenger in the sailboat was killed. Nothing was done to the driver of the power boat, who was never even tested for alcohol. The driver of the sailboat at the time of the accident is being prosecuted for manslaughter.
Oh, yeah, one detail I forgot to mention: The driver of the power boat was an off-duty member of the local sheriff's department.
The local sailing magazine, Latitude 38, has been covering this story extensively, and I'm sure their reports can be found on their web site.
In Lake County, here in California, a power boat going about 50 knots ran into a sailboat at night. The sailboat owner was busy in the cabin and a passenger on the boat was steering. He was just marginally over the dui limit (which had been just recently reduced; by the previous limit he'd have been legal). There was some question as to whether the sailboat had its lights on as it was night time. However, since it wasn't far from shore, it is doubtful if the power boat owner would have been able to distinguish the lights from the lights on shore anyway. Another passenger in the sailboat was killed. Nothing was done to the driver of the power boat, who was never even tested for alcohol. The driver of the sailboat at the time of the accident is being prosecuted for manslaughter.
Oh, yeah, one detail I forgot to mention: The driver of the power boat was an off-duty member of the local sheriff's department.
The local sailing magazine, Latitude 38, has been covering this story extensively, and I'm sure their reports can be found on their web site.
I mile
My wife alerts me to any boat within a 1 mile or
more radius of us.
When first sailing with her on our Hobie cat on busy
great south bay,ny she would drive me crazy.
She still drives me crazy on our 36 when out sailing,
but its great knowing she is keeping us out of danger.
I some times forget to tell her when yelling that,and thank
her honey for keeping us better safe than sorry.
Nick
My wife alerts me to any boat within a 1 mile or
more radius of us.
When first sailing with her on our Hobie cat on busy
great south bay,ny she would drive me crazy.
She still drives me crazy on our 36 when out sailing,
but its great knowing she is keeping us out of danger.
I some times forget to tell her when yelling that,and thank
her honey for keeping us better safe than sorry.
Nick
back seat drivers
When I'm driving, even though I haven't had an accident in many years, my wife is always telling me how to drive. It's kind of a standing joke between us and it does kind of rub me the wrong way.
On the boat, though, when she asks me if I see that other boat ahead, I always thank her and I'm sincere about it. It's so much easier to miss things on a boat.
When I'm driving, even though I haven't had an accident in many years, my wife is always telling me how to drive. It's kind of a standing joke between us and it does kind of rub me the wrong way.
On the boat, though, when she asks me if I see that other boat ahead, I always thank her and I'm sincere about it. It's so much easier to miss things on a boat.
John, A good lawyer should be able to make hay on that one
and an honest judge would support him. A civil suit against the powerboat owner/operator is also in order. That will bring out the facts.
and an honest judge would support him. A civil suit against the powerboat owner/operator is also in order. That will bring out the facts.
Autopilots
It never ceases to amaze me how many boaters run on auto pilot, even when close to shore it crowded waters. I try to never use auto pilot inshore. It just makes it too easy to let your attention drift off, duck below for something, or do any one of a lot of things. When single handing it is necessary sometimes, but there is never a reason when more than one person aboard, to run on auto pilot when inshore. Nor to keep a good watch. Boating is fun, and I think lots of boaters are so busy having a good time, they forget that it can also be very dangerous.
It never ceases to amaze me how many boaters run on auto pilot, even when close to shore it crowded waters. I try to never use auto pilot inshore. It just makes it too easy to let your attention drift off, duck below for something, or do any one of a lot of things. When single handing it is necessary sometimes, but there is never a reason when more than one person aboard, to run on auto pilot when inshore. Nor to keep a good watch. Boating is fun, and I think lots of boaters are so busy having a good time, they forget that it can also be very dangerous.
a sad story
for sure, my thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am sooooo taking my camera out from now on to document and report unsafe boating!
for sure, my thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am sooooo taking my camera out from now on to document and report unsafe boating!
Also almost got creamed......
a couple weeks ago by a HUGE brand new Grady White power boat. We were on a port tack and the power boat was flying towards our port beam. We watched it for several minutes to see if he was going to pass to our stern. When it was obvious he wasn't even watching or making preps to turn we put the tiller over hard to avoid him by some decent distance. He popped his head up and waved in a "I'm sorry" sort of way. My husband was not quite so polite when he did his one finger wave back.
a couple weeks ago by a HUGE brand new Grady White power boat. We were on a port tack and the power boat was flying towards our port beam. We watched it for several minutes to see if he was going to pass to our stern. When it was obvious he wasn't even watching or making preps to turn we put the tiller over hard to avoid him by some decent distance. He popped his head up and waved in a "I'm sorry" sort of way. My husband was not quite so polite when he did his one finger wave back.
Power boaters
John (Alameda) I was going to mention this as I came upon your post here.
A good friend of mine is involved in handling this case, no names can be mentioned here.
1) It was a law enforcement officer that was at high speed, and that in itself is illegal at night, but the local sherrif and others are white-washing hiim, at least it sounds that way.
2) The running lights were ON on the sailing vessel, and the helmsman had no chance to avoid disaster.
This is a travesty of reverse justice when a law enforcement officer commits a crime, then blames the folks he ran down.
We have a definite NEED for licensing of these people and fines to prevent this sort of thing from happneing.
This 'accident' in Buzard's Bay sounds like it to was preventable by simply keeping the speed down on the go-faster and using sound judgement.
John (Alameda) I was going to mention this as I came upon your post here.
A good friend of mine is involved in handling this case, no names can be mentioned here.
1) It was a law enforcement officer that was at high speed, and that in itself is illegal at night, but the local sherrif and others are white-washing hiim, at least it sounds that way.
2) The running lights were ON on the sailing vessel, and the helmsman had no chance to avoid disaster.
This is a travesty of reverse justice when a law enforcement officer commits a crime, then blames the folks he ran down.
We have a definite NEED for licensing of these people and fines to prevent this sort of thing from happneing.
This 'accident' in Buzard's Bay sounds like it to was preventable by simply keeping the speed down on the go-faster and using sound judgement.
Condolences
Will miss Dave's presence on the bay. Although I didn't know Mr. Walsh, we'd pass his boat and wonder where on the chart is Padanaram, and why is his boat named after this place. Rest in peace.
Will miss Dave's presence on the bay. Although I didn't know Mr. Walsh, we'd pass his boat and wonder where on the chart is Padanaram, and why is his boat named after this place. Rest in peace.
It makes me sick
to see these stories, especially when they can be avoided by alert crews on the power boats!
At night I keep a flash light handy to light up the sails. That big white tri-angle is a lot easier to see than the running lites at night. It has prevented a collision more than once. The last time was with a freighter off Tampa Bay.
to see these stories, especially when they can be avoided by alert crews on the power boats!
At night I keep a flash light handy to light up the sails. That big white tri-angle is a lot easier to see than the running lites at night. It has prevented a collision more than once. The last time was with a freighter off Tampa Bay.
I think that what troubles me most about events
like this is not the deaths that result but the manner with which the law treats them.
If someone went out on his boat and randomly fired a rifle at floating stuff in the water and a ricochet struck and killed another boater the law would be clear on the procedure that would follow. But put the same person in a high powered boat and have him/her run blindly at high speed and collide with another boat and kill someone and the law is not clear on the charges or the penalty to apply.
You can have a kid recklessly driving in a residential subdivision and the cops will come when they get time but report a gun being fired and you get fast response in force.
Somethings need to change and I suppose that when the child of someone important is the victim it will change.
like this is not the deaths that result but the manner with which the law treats them.
If someone went out on his boat and randomly fired a rifle at floating stuff in the water and a ricochet struck and killed another boater the law would be clear on the procedure that would follow. But put the same person in a high powered boat and have him/her run blindly at high speed and collide with another boat and kill someone and the law is not clear on the charges or the penalty to apply.
You can have a kid recklessly driving in a residential subdivision and the cops will come when they get time but report a gun being fired and you get fast response in force.
Somethings need to change and I suppose that when the child of someone important is the victim it will change.
"a good lawyer"
It is true that a good lawyer may yet tear that case in Lake County to pieces for the defendant. But he may not, also. I remember reading one well-known lawyer (I think it was Johnny Cochran) who commented that the thinking of almost all jurors is that if the defendant hadn't done something wrong, he or she wouldn't be here. Let's be honest with ourselves: How many times do we hear of an arrest for a crime and comment, "well, I hear they arrested the person who did that."? And even if the defendant in this Lake County case wins, he loses - he loses his money and he loses his time as well as countless hours of anxiety and stress.
I agree with Ross that the law treats boaters differently as far as criminal responsibility. But in this particular case, I think it's also a matter of WHO was at the wheel of that power boat - one of the law's own.
It is true that a good lawyer may yet tear that case in Lake County to pieces for the defendant. But he may not, also. I remember reading one well-known lawyer (I think it was Johnny Cochran) who commented that the thinking of almost all jurors is that if the defendant hadn't done something wrong, he or she wouldn't be here. Let's be honest with ourselves: How many times do we hear of an arrest for a crime and comment, "well, I hear they arrested the person who did that."? And even if the defendant in this Lake County case wins, he loses - he loses his money and he loses his time as well as countless hours of anxiety and stress.
I agree with Ross that the law treats boaters differently as far as criminal responsibility. But in this particular case, I think it's also a matter of WHO was at the wheel of that power boat - one of the law's own.
In This case the defendant can and should file
suit for a wrongful persecution and ask to be made whole. He is the one who was harmed and that can be demonstrated in court. By the time the courts and the media are through with this I would expect that the local law enforcement community will be reorganized. Please keep us informed about the progress of this case.
suit for a wrongful persecution and ask to be made whole. He is the one who was harmed and that can be demonstrated in court. By the time the courts and the media are through with this I would expect that the local law enforcement community will be reorganized. Please keep us informed about the progress of this case.
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