Be Careful

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:33 pm

After much rain delay, the pre launch jobs were finished last Tuesday and the boat was launched Wednesday. Due to heavy wind, I delayed moving it to its slip until Thursday. As we tied up our lines Thursday evening, I looked over at the boat in the slip next to me and noticed that the owner appeared to be working on it. Its an old Columbia sail boat that the owner bought a year ago to "fix up" and go sailing. After I was satisfied that my boat was secure, I again looked over at the sail boat and noticed that something just didn't seem right. There were tools lying around, the boom was down across the deck, the main sail was attached at the boom with the rest of it draped over the dock and submerged in the next slip over and yet there wasn't a sound coming from that boat. Curious, I wandered over and looked down in the cabin and saw nobody. As I walked by his truck, I noticed that it was open and the keys were in the ignition. All signs that he should be there. In all of my years of boating, I've never come across a scene like this that just didn't seem right, so I reported it. After three days of police and fire, along with a dive team looking for him, he came to the surface in the marina yesterday morning.

I guess I'm posting this as a reminder to every one to Be Careful when on and around your boats. Having a passion for boating should not cost you your life.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:37 am

Ouch - sorry to hear it.

But - when I have to go - I hope its while I'm on my boat.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 6:27 am

Sad , But a good reminder on safety

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 6:29 am

Sad
There was also a bad accident at Leamington marina on Lake Erie
25 foot powerboat heading back after dark ran into the breaker, 3 dead
Totally destroyed boat, 2 women survived.
Sad weekend
be safe everyone.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:01 am

Tragic to hear but you did good Paul. Careful observations these days from everyone, may help prevent outcomes like this. Sorry to hear it ended the way it did.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 9:28 am

Very sad story but as Stripermann2 pointed out, it is always a good idea to keep a watchful eye, and ear out while on the docks. Last year we had a person fall in from three docks down and the only thing I heard wash the splash since I was not looking that way. Fortunately someone closer also heard the splash and was able to render the needed assistance.

Since many of us seasonal boaters are getting everything "ship shape and Bristol fashion" we are cleaning, repairing, installing, on-loading equipment and supplies, and in general crawling all over the boat more than usual. Very good idea to be extra careful and take your time.

randyp · Post by **randyp** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 10:29 am

Good advice but a tragedy. All of us northern boaters need to heed the water temperatures when we launch. Up our way the water can be in the 40s and low 50s until the end of May. Doesn't take much for hypothermia to set in, and if you go over when you're alone you're fish food in just a few minutes. I don't do it (and I know I should), but wearing a life jacket when out on the deck or anywhere on the boat probably would have made this sad story just an embarassing one.