Sounds like this could have been avoided.
Dwayne
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Boating Mystery - Waves of rumor have swirled on every side of Boone Lake for nearly two weeks
BLUFF CITY – Authorities asked for patience Wednesday, but boaters say theirs has run out.
Eleven days after a boat crash on Boone Lake that killed one fisherman and injured another, state wildlife officials still won’t say who they believe caused the wreck.
Dwayne
Suit Filed In Case Of Boy Killed While Snorkeling
The parents of Charlie Smith have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the parents of 13-year-old Christopher Ruiz. He currently faces vessel homicide charges in Key West. A hearing is scheduled for July 24th.
Dwayne
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Boynton man accused of making fake distress call that triggered $350,000 search
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What a waste of time and valuable resources. No telling what prosecution of the case will cost.
Dwayne
Victim Identified From Boating Death In The Northwoods Jun 27, 2006
The caller said there was a boating accident and one person was hurt.
Gregory Bykowski of Delafield was taken to Howard Young Medical Center where he later died.
Investigators say the 42-year-old was being pulled by a boat when the accident happened.
"An individual (Bykowski) being towed on an inflatable type device, a device that actually makes you go a little airborne if you hit a wave, apparently fell, hit the water pretty hard was knocked unconscious for a period of time," says Tom Wrasse, Woodruff Law Enforcement, "When they got him to shore he regained consciousness and was alert responding to questions. They took him to the hospital and shortly after 1:00 a.m. he succumbed to his injuries."
The accident is still under investigation.
Dwayne
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Bloglines - Boating Mystery Update
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Bloglines - Identities of Boating Accident Victims Switched
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Bloglines - Searchers find body of woman who drowned in Union Lake
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Saturday, June 24, 2006
Airboating accidents prompt calls for safety precautions in Everglades
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There have been a lot of airboat accidents lately. This article highlights some of the issues.
Dwayne
Monday, June 19, 2006
Safety and Travel
We are travelling to New Orleans for business this week. Blogging will likely slow. All our contact info can be found on this site or www.lawboat.com if we are needed.
There have been a lot of accidents reported lately and many involving children.
Be careful out there on the water and we will be back next week!
Dwayne
Toddler Dies After Losing Leg In Boating Accident
POSTED: 7:06 am EDT June 19, 2006
SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. -- Officials say a 2-year-old South Daytona boy has died after a Father's Day boating accident. According to reports, the boy was sitting with his 3-year-old brother on the back of an 18-foot sport boat when the accident occurred. Their father was attempting to drive the boat onto a dry dock after a ride on the Halifax River when the boy fell off the back of the boat and onto its propeller. An EVAC ambulance spokesman says one of the boy's legs was severed in the accident and he later died at a hospital. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the accident.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Dwayne
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Bloglines - Awash in safety...
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Friday, June 16, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Florida DEP Airboat Safety Manual - Including Instructions for Safely Maneuvering over Dry Land
Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Airboat Safety Manual. This manual includes tips on how to maneuver over dry land.
Florida DEP Airboat Safety Manual - Including Instructions for Safely Maneuvering over Dry Land
Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Airboat Safety Manual. This manual included tips on how to maneuver over dry land.
Rafting the Snake - Good Safety Record but Tragedy Strikes Here
Two were involved in boating accidents; the third was a fisherman who slipped and fell into the river.
About 63,000 people float the Snake River on commercially guided trips in Grand Teton each summer, according to the park.
That’s a pretty good safety record for the park.
Dwayne
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Update - Vincent Rutowski - Airboat Death
Services for Vincent Rutowski are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel in Buford. Rutowski died after he was run over by the airboat on which he was riding.
Fish and Wildlife and the Coast Guard are investigating this tragic accident.
Articles on this accident found here.
Video and images from the news here.
This is a comment from Vincent’s uncle Tony.
Very sad situation.
Dwayne
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Bloglines - Death ruled accidental, but boat case still a mystery
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Bloglines - Officials suspend rescue efforts
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Monday, June 12, 2006
Distress call for sinking boat with 9 onboard maybe hoax?
If this is a hoax it is a cruel joke.
Dwayne
Boy dies in 'fluke' airboat accident
GENEVA -- Young Vincent Rutowski was enjoying a unique Florida thrill Friday morning tucked between his parents as they roared down the St. Johns River on an airboat.
As the pilot slowed to maneuver the 3,000-pound vessel across a muddy shoal, however, the joy ride turned to tragedy. The boat snagged on the bottom, pitching the 7-year-old forward and over the left side of the boat.
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Some are calling this one a “fluke”.
Dwayne
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Bloglines - 3 Common Errors Make Boating Unsafe
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Bloglines - DWI charge prompts judge to revoke bond in boating case
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Saturday, June 10, 2006
Judge won't move De Tournillon trial
An elderly couple died August 20th when their boat was hit by a speedboat operated by Mark De Tournillion. Friday, Judge James Updike denied a defense motion to move the trial because of pre-trial publicity. He also will allow prosecutors to introduce De Tournillion's blood alcohol level tested shortly after the crash. Updike may also allow the victims' blood alcohol levels to be used as well.
De Tournillion was sent back to jail Friday after the judge learned he'd been arrested on a DUI charge in Florida in April. His trial in Virginia is set to begin June 20th.
Dwayne
Georgia Boy, 7, Killed In Airboat Accident On St. Johns River - Vincent Rutowski
GENEVA, Fla. -- Authorities said a 7-year-old Georgia boy died this morning after being run over by an airboat that had struck a sandbar near Geneva.
The boy had been riding in the airboat with seven other family members on a tour of the St. Johns River.A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman says the airboat struck a sandbar. As the boat's operator tried to dislodge the airboat, it pitched forward, throwing seven-year-old Vincent Rutowski out of the boat.
Dwayne
Friday, June 09, 2006
Bloglines - In kayak, you really are one with the water
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Bloglines - Speed limit approved
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Bloglines - Unusable Boats Flooding Market
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Bloglines - Florida takes manatees off its endangered list
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Thursday, June 08, 2006
Grandfather: Snorkeling death not boy's fault
The grandfather of the 6-year-old boy killed by a boat while snorkeling in Key West two weeks ago does not blame the 13-year-old boy charged in connection with his death.
Dwayne
Investigation launched as Norwegian Crown hits reef
An investigation has begun to find out why a 34,000 ton cruise ship ran aground on a reef between Spanish Point and Dockyard temporarily stranding more than 1,600 passengers and crew.
The reefs of the world are taking a beating lately.
Dwayne
Grandfather: Snorkeling death not boy's fault
The grandfather of the 6-year-old boy killed by a boat while snorkeling in Key West two weeks ago does not blame the 13-year-old boy charged in connection with his death.
Dwayne
Dead lake comes back to life, at least for now (off topic)
ALBANY, N.Y. - A crystalline Adirondack lake once held up as an example of a “dead” lake devastated by acid rain has now become a symbol of nature’s ability to heal itself once pollutants are curbed.
Dwayne
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Kayak safety bill heads to Senate
The Act Relative to Kayak Safety sponsored by state representatives Shirley Gomes and William Straus would require anyone who kayaks in Massachusetts waters to wear a life jacket all of the time (required now only during the winter months), carry a compass and a signaling device such as a whistle. The bill also requires anyone renting a kayak from a local outfitter to be trained in the techniques of exiting and entering a kayak if it capsizes.
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Safety requirements do vary from craft to craft in most states. Kayakers do have special needs to safely navigate their crafts.
Dwayne
Man Sentenced in Fatal Boating Accident
| A man from the St. Louis area could spend up to seven years in jail for a boating accident over Memorial Day weekend in 2005. | |
Water patrol officers say Paul Volpe, 43, of Ballwin, was operating a boat on Table Rock Lake while intoxicated. Dwayne | |
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Boy's death mourned as `profound tragedy'
The 13 year old that killed the boy was legally allowed to be driving the boat.
Quotes from the article:
''A kid of any age can drive a boat. There is just a completely different set of regulations,''. ``You have to get a safe boating certificate and apparently they issue a card. You can do it at any age.''
The 13 year old driver had such a card, which can be obtained by completing an online course or one of several classroom safety courses offered by groups such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron, according to the wildlife commission.
''There is no minimum age as long as they are able to read and understand the material and understand the test,'' wildlife commission spokesman Steve Acton said.
Those 21 and younger are required to pass a course to operate any recreational vessel with 10 horsepower or more, with a caveat: Children under 14 are not allowed to operate personal watercraft.
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Apparently, the course was not enough. Something went terribly wrong.
Dwayne
3 injured, dog killed in St. Johns / Osteen boat collision
Three Sanford residents were taken to a hospital Sunday after two boats collided in the St. Johns River, authorities said. The boats collided about 2:30 p.m. in the St. Johns River near Lemon Bluff Road in Osteen, said Kat Kelley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman. A 26-year-old man suffered a broken leg and his dog was killed in the accident. He was taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach in stable condition, said EVAC ambulance spokesman Mark O'Keefe. From the second boat, one woman was airlifted to Halifax and a man was taken to the hospital by EVAC ambulance. Both were in stable condition. O'Keefe said. Officers from the Conservation Commission are investigating the accident. Dwayne
Monday, June 05, 2006
Is our blog scaring boaters??
Over the life of this blog we have had several comments from astute readers about our blog scaring people off the water. It seems that posts about boating accidents, injuries, statistics and news has the effect of making people want to stay on the couch and off the water where it is “safer”.
Recently, a colorful and insightful reader “Tillerman” commented on our blog in his DO NOT READ THIS BLOG post. Incidentally, our blog traffic increased after this post. Several of Tillerman’s readers debate the question of whether the risk of boating is worth the fun.
This has been said about risk:
“When channeled into sports like climbing, where skill and training can minimize danger, or into starting a new business, risk taking may continue to be a healthy psychological outlet. It may provide a means to cope with boredom and modern anxieties, to bolster self-esteem. Risk taking may provide a crucial sense of control in a period where so much of what happens--from crime and auto accidents to environmental disasters and economic downturns--seems almost random.”
Also this has been said about ocean sailing and risk:
“Psychological research studies that have investigated the mental health of risk takers have been inconclusive or contradictory, and in some cases risk taking behaviours (e.g. ocean sailing) have even been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem.”
If you have any BRAINS and want to avoid risk you may read this.
And if all else fails you may want to fall back on the old hold harmless agreement.
I think most boaters would agree that all risk cannot be eliminated from water sports and activities. Risk is inherent to the water and craft that navigate upon it. Some degree of risk is acceptable, if tempered with reason. With training, skill and a modicum of common sense boating can be done safely.
If you read this blog don’t freeze up with fear and anxiety. Go out and enjoy the water and try to learn from the mistakes and misfortunes of others. Although risky the benefits of the water are worth it.
There is risk in sitting on the couch too.
Have fun on the water and remember …..always wear your life jacket!!
Be safe.
Dwayne
Blair man, Ralston woman killed on Missouri River Sunday
The mood was somber as the American Legion Senior baseball team took the field Wednesday, May 31. The entire team wore black armbands on their left arms in remembrance of Colton Peterson, a former teammate and coach who was killed in a Memorial Day weekend boat accident on the Missouri River.
Dwayne
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Friday, June 02, 2006
USCG Cutter Set to Mark Historical Site
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Four dead in boating accident on Dworshak Reservoir - Carbon Monoxide Poisioning
SPOKANE -- A family outing turned deadly this weekend when four people - two adults and two children - were found dead in their boat on Dworshak Reservoir in Clearwater County, Idaho Monday morning.
A Clearwater County Marine Deputy found the boat just after 11 AM Monday that apparently struck the shoreline and sank.
This is a bizarre set of circumstances. These reports suggest that the family was overcome by fumes before the crash??
Dwayne
Two boating deaths under investigation / Boat Strikes Barge on Missouri River Near Tekamah
Two boating deaths under investigation
An investigation continues into the deaths of two people who were killed Sunday when the boat they were in struck a barge in the Missouri River near Tekamah, Neb. Killed were Colton Peterson, 20, a 2004 Blair (Neb.) High School graduate, and Morgen Wees, 19, a 2005 Ralston High School graduate.
DwayneOkoboji / Brosnahan / Nearman / Hit and Run Boating Update
DES MOINES- It's looking to be perfect for boating this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, but before you hit the water there's a new law you need to know about. Last summer, a deadly hit-and-run boat crash on West Lake Okoboji killed Perry dentist Michael Brosnahan, and left his wife, Jill, seriously injured.
We followed this story extensively last year. This goes to show how the law changes in response to alleged bad acts on the water.
Dwayne
Fatal Boating Crash Goes to Trial in Fla.
Defense attorney Stephen Greer told jurors Wednesday that the computer-generated video is flawed and misleading, partly because it ignores some descriptions of what happened after the 14 boats took off for the Working Man's Bass Club tournament.
We have found that computer animations can be very persuasive in maritime cases. When well done viewers often accept the animation as reality. Most judges expect that there be an accurate factual foundation for the animation and it must comport with the facts or usually is excluded. There is a body of law on admissibility of these types of animations.
Dwayne
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