Accidents of the Week - February 24, 2024
BoatTEST publishes “Accidents of the Week” as a public service for our VIP Subscribers to acquaint them with potential boating dangers and by inference their prevention.
Bass Boat Collides with Smaller Vessel on North Carolina Lake
2/10/24 – Lake Norman, NC
A boat collided with a smaller vessel at about 1:15 p.m. on 10 February, on North Carolina’s Lake Norman, according to North Carolina Wildlife.
The driver of a bass boat said their view was blocked, which caused them to hit the back of a johnboat, which is a smaller vessel. One person on the johnboat was thrown into the water while another stayed in the boat. The person in the boat was taken to a local hospital for their injuries and was released a few hours later.
Operator Charged with Reckless Boating
Derek DeBord owns TowBoatUS on Lake Norman, a company that assists boaters. “It’s really amazing that nobody passed away as a result of the crash,” DeBord said. He added that at times, the bow of a boat could block a driver’s vision.
“A lot of boats don’t ride level and their bows are high and sometimes people have to stand up to see over the front of them,” DeBord said. “And it’s something boaters just need to be more aware of. " It’s hard to prepare yourself for every scenario on the water, DeBord added, but he stressed that taking things slow and being aware could prevent a dangerous encounter.
The operator of the bass boat was charged with reckless and/or negligent operation, N.C. Wildlife said. No drugs or alcohol were involved.
Florida Boater Missing After Fishing Vessel Capsizes
2/9/24 – Manatee Co., FL
The family of a missing boater was coping with the painful reality that he may never be found. Jose Antonio Cruz was on board a 28-foot boat with two other friends for a day of fishing on 9 February.
However, the day took a tragic turn when the boat capsized and sank about 35 miles off the coast of Florida’s Anna Maria Island, south of St. Petersburg. The two friends were found clinging onto coolers for three hours before they were rescued, but Cruz was never found.
“We need answers,” said Cruz’s niece Saimy Mata. “All of the family is waiting for those answers.” The family and friends of Cruz were staying strong.
The search was suspended on the morning of 10 February, after the US Coast Guard determined that Cruz was most likely not on the surface of the water.
Two Boaters Rescued Near Golden Gate Bridge
2/11/24 – San Francisco, CA
Two adults were rescued on the night of 11 February when their boat began to take on water near the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Fire Department said.
Search and rescue crews were dispatched before 8 p.m. on a report of one or two people on a boat that was taking on water. Radio communications with the vessel had been lost. Air units were also dispatched.
Rescue Crews Battled ‘Hazardous’ Conditions
At 8 p.m., radio contact with the vessel had been re-established, but search and rescue crews were battling large waves and hazardous surf conditions after making visual contact with the boat, SF Fire said on social media. At 8:20 p.m., SF Fire said a rescue boat of theirs along with support from the U.S. Coast Guard found two adults that were "OKAY," thanks in part to the vessel's captain.
The people were rescued and the boat was being towed, SF Fire said.
In Fishing Accident, Boater Drowns in Ohio Pond
2/10/24 – Plymouth, OH
A weekend fishing trip turned to tragedy after a trio of young men went fishing in Mackey's Pond, a small body of water just north of Shelby, in Ohio’s Plymouth Township. The body of Zackery Willis, 24, was discovered late on the afternoon of 10 February, following an extensive search for the missing boater.
At approximately 9:18 p.m. on 10 February, the Plymouth Fire Department was dispatched to the area regarding a capsized boat with victims in the water. Two of the victims had climbed out of the water by the time responders arrived, but a third was unable to be located.
Fire Department Reminds Boaters to Use PFD, Take Safety Course
Utilizing various other departments' drone units, dive teams, aerial assistance via helicopter, and cadaver dogs, first responders tried to locate the missing boater. Search efforts continued until 1:05 a.m., and resumed after sunrise at 8 a.m. The deceased was found later in the day at 3:10 p.m.
The body was recovered from the water and turned over to the custody of the Richland County Coroner's Office. The Plymouth Fire Department issued a statement reminding boaters to please use flotation devices while on the water and to take an approved boater's safety course.
Almost 30 Injured in Florida Sightseeing Boat Crash
2/11/24 – Miami, FL
Nearly 30 people were recovering from injuries after two boats collided in Florida. The crash happened around 3:15 p.m. on 11 February near Port Miami, local news reported.
Authorities said a recreational vessel and a sightseeing tour boat were involved in the collision. The crash sent 13 people to the hospital. At least one victim was airlifted from the scene for treatment after the passengers were brought to shore. Sixteen others also suffered injuries, but no fatalities were reported.
The uninjured passengers on the tour boat were brought to their destination to be questioned about the incident. The cause of the crash remained under investigation.
One Injured in Boating Accident on Florida River
2/10/24 –Marion Co., FL
One man was severely injured on 10 February after his fishing boat was struck by another boat on Florida’s Ocklawaha River.
Shortly after 11:55 a.m., several Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) units were dispatched to the Ocklawaha River, south of the Moss Bluff Dam, in reference to a boating accident.
According to MCFR, a boat with four people on board was navigating the river when it hit a man who was in his fishing boat. After the impact, the fishing boat capsized.