Just unbelievable
- Thread starter Ted
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I would like to give credit to the bridge operators on the Sacramento River. The week before last we went through 4 bascule and 2 lift bridges on the way to spend 2 nights at Old Sacramento.
The operators responded quickly and helpfully on channel 9 and we had no problems at all. I find it hard to believe that if you had made contact with them and they knew you were there, that the bridge would be closed on you.
On the two tower bridges at least they close the traffic booms, ring the bell and then walk out to look for cars, pedestrians, bicycles etc. before opening the bridge. At the bascule bridges they most likely have a clearer view. They sound a horn before closing the bridge.
I cannot believe (but that does not mean it is untrue) that the operator would move a bridge without looking.
One guess - it is very difficult (at least for me) to judge the distance between the top of the mast and overhead objects. There were two boats headed for the bridge and did each skipper think it was O.K. because the other was going for it?
The operators responded quickly and helpfully on channel 9 and we had no problems at all. I find it hard to believe that if you had made contact with them and they knew you were there, that the bridge would be closed on you.
On the two tower bridges at least they close the traffic booms, ring the bell and then walk out to look for cars, pedestrians, bicycles etc. before opening the bridge. At the bascule bridges they most likely have a clearer view. They sound a horn before closing the bridge.
I cannot believe (but that does not mean it is untrue) that the operator would move a bridge without looking.
One guess - it is very difficult (at least for me) to judge the distance between the top of the mast and overhead objects. There were two boats headed for the bridge and did each skipper think it was O.K. because the other was going for it?
This is not rocket science. You don't attempt to pass a drawbridge without communicating with the bridge tender and requesting permission to transit. The video is a demonstration of the consequences. Bridges post their hailing channels, most are Ch.13 (sometimes 9). But in all case you need to be coordinating with other boats on Ch.16. It is not uncommon to get this kind of crazy squirrel behavior around bridges.
Don't ever find yourself in the close quarters of a drawbridge, currents and other boats can bring you grief. Get a plan worked out and run the plan.
Just crazy
I can't believe the second boat was going to try it as well. Kind of looks like the first boat was passing the second boat at the beginning of the video. Both of them should have been aware that the bridge was going to close. Maybe there was a different bridge operator that day and didn't leave it open as long as the normal guy. Too bad for the skippers boat though.
JerryA
I can't believe the second boat was going to try it as well. Kind of looks like the first boat was passing the second boat at the beginning of the video. Both of them should have been aware that the bridge was going to close. Maybe there was a different bridge operator that day and didn't leave it open as long as the normal guy. Too bad for the skippers boat though.
JerryA
I Know for a fact that the railway bridge operators on the Connecticut River, and I would assume all others on the north shore of Long Island Sound, will not, I repeat, not, hold a bridge for any boat, when there is a train speeding their way.
Don't even think of messing around with their schedule; there is zero flexibility.
Accidents happen, but this looks like blatant stupidity to me.
Don't even think of messing around with their schedule; there is zero flexibility.
Accidents happen, but this looks like blatant stupidity to me.
Good thing it wasn't an Ericson, he would've torn down the bridge instead.
(And it doesn't look like R.R.)..
(And it doesn't look like R.R.)..
Reminds me of a story.
So I am riding in a buddy's car and as he approaches an intersection the light turns yellow and he doesn't even blink and runs thought it. I thought to myself, it's lucky a cop wasn't there.
Anyway, we keep on trucking, the next light turns yellow and he's nowhere near the point of no return so he runs that. This time I said "you better be glad a cop wasn't there to see that" he replies "ahh don't worry, my brother does it all the time"
At the next light clearly he had plenty of room, but he runs this one too and it was red when we entered the intersection, I have him the same warning and got the same reply. Don't worry, my brother does it all the time,
Next light, same thing. My brother does it all the time.
Finally we get to one that's already red and he stops. We sit through the red and it turns green yet he sits there. I said "dude, it's as green as it gets" and he replied "I know, but my brother might be coming the other way".
So I am riding in a buddy's car and as he approaches an intersection the light turns yellow and he doesn't even blink and runs thought it. I thought to myself, it's lucky a cop wasn't there.
Anyway, we keep on trucking, the next light turns yellow and he's nowhere near the point of no return so he runs that. This time I said "you better be glad a cop wasn't there to see that" he replies "ahh don't worry, my brother does it all the time"
At the next light clearly he had plenty of room, but he runs this one too and it was red when we entered the intersection, I have him the same warning and got the same reply. Don't worry, my brother does it all the time,
Next light, same thing. My brother does it all the time.
Finally we get to one that's already red and he stops. We sit through the red and it turns green yet he sits there. I said "dude, it's as green as it gets" and he replied "I know, but my brother might be coming the other way".
If it matters, but I believe it's a HR 352, a very well built boat. Often used for rtw cruising.
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I looks like the skipper of the dismasted boat is just sitting back in his chair looking cool as he overtakes the other boat. His failure to take any timely corrective action tells me he was not looking at the bridge spans. I think his gaze was just at the center of the channel to take the control of his position ahead of the other boat. One of his crew members tries to get his attention up top but is too late. The fact that both boats were going full bore towards the bridge tends to indicate they had received prior warning that the bridge was closing and they made the wrong decision to try an beat it or at least force the bridge tender to delay the closing. He seemed to be operating the boat like as if he was driving a car. Speeding and lack of attention seems to point to skipper's fault.
What shocks me in this case is the BLATANT DISREGARD for the safety of his passengers. I would like to know, what does the Coast Guard do with a pleasure boater that has shown a lack of judgement or ability to safeguard his ship and passengers? Evidently there is no license that they can pull.
Peace,
SM
Peace,
SM
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