Fishing Tragedy Over The Weekend - Please Be Safe And Aware Out There

[stkbassn]

As the season is getting busy and more and more of us fisherman as well as recreational boaters are on the water together we need to be even more mindful and aware of safe boating as well as being very observant while we're on the water. Even more so at night.....

 

Friday night during a local fishing tournament there was a fatal collision of two bass boats. The boat that struck the other boat had a man and woman and the boat that was struck contained three passengers. The third passenger in the back of the boat was killed and later found. He was a gentleman that played in my local APA league I'm finding out now as more details come to light. The striking boat capsized. The teenager in the boat that was struck quickly lept from the boat and saved both of the people from that boat from possibly drowning. His quick thinking and bravery probably saved their lives and fortunately, miraculously, no one else was badly injured. I know this young man as he is the son of a local bar owner and fellow pool player. What a courageous act.

 

I wanted to share this not as a pat on the back for a brave young man but just as a reminder that no matter how careful we are or think we're being out there, we need to keep safety in our minds and make it a priority as we're taking to the water and the entire time we're out there!

 

Please be safe out there everyone!! Common sense, good judgement, and obeying the rules of the water all go a long, long way.

[Pete-K]

It can happen in a heartbeat. So many get out on the water these days drinking or running at night with no lights. Sad but happens.

Thanks for the headsup.

Pete

[Crestliner2008]

As I learned in the Navy, "relative speed" (two vessels approaching each other from opposite directions) is very misleading. An approaching vessel, appearing far away, can be on you in a heart beat! So please be aware and always vigilant.

[Bankbeater]

That is one of the reasons I hate when someone catches a fish, and another boat decides to cruise by close to check out the details of the catch.

[Wayne P.]

The news reports stated that none of them were wearing life preservers.

[WRB]

Tragic accident and questions come to mind, were they all wearing PFD's? Tournament rules usually require PFD's when the big engine is running. 3 people in 1 boat could indicate a recreational non tournament boater collision with a tournament boater?

2 boats closing from opposite direction the relative speed is the total speed of both boats; one going 30 mph + the other boat going 20 mph, the impact speed is 50 mph for example.

Watch where you are going, wear your PFD's and eye protection when running your boats under engine power.

Be safe, not sorry!

Tom

[stkbassn]

The news reports stated that none of them were wearing life preservers.

 

Yeah, that's what I'm hearing Wayne. I am guilty of that as well as I think a lot of guys are...wear the PFD's until you get out there and then throw them in the box. I've done it too. Not a good idea for any reason really. There are companies out there making great ones that are comfortable to wear at all times so no real excuse not to have one on while we're out there.

[stkbassn]

Great brave young man deserves a pat on the back.  Your post is a good reminder for sure.  Please guys and gals, slow down at night.  Boating at night is much more hazardous than day time.

Thanks for the reminder.

Ron

 

Yeah, I agree, he definitely gets a pat on the back from me when I see him next! He did a brave thing and thought little of his own safety...for this he is a hero in my book.

[stkbassn]

Tragic accident and questions come to mind, were they all wearing PFD's? Tournament rules usually require PFD's when the big engine is running. 3 people in 1 boat could indicate a recreational non tournament boater collision with a tournament boater?

2 boats closing from opposite direction the relative speed is the total speed of both boats; one going 30 mph + the other boat going 20 mph, the impact speed is 50 mph for example.

Watch where you are going, wear your PFD's and eye protection when running your boats under engine power.

Be safe, not sorry!

Tom

 

Hey Tom, reports are no one was wearing PFD's. As far as the tournament is concerned I am not sure that both were in it but both were bass fishing from what I understand. I don't believe it's been released or determined who was at fault yet. Not sure if one was moving and the other was fishing or if they both ran into each other....these things have not been disclosed yet.

[WRB]

Missed the Friday night statement, night fishing is especially hazardous because you can't see without a light and a powerful spot light is need to run over 10 mph and the spot light can blind another approaching boat, damed if you and damed if you don't scenario, but lights are absolutely critical, both navigational red/ green bow and white stern lights, plus the spot light. Where I night fish we have a 10 mph no wake rule, if you plane the boat you are DQ'd.

The young teenager is a hero, can't teach courage.

Tom

[jhoffman]

There should be nighttime speed limits everywhere. When I hear guys screaming up some of these big lakes with that 250 wide open thinking about them going 80mph gives me chills. Heck, 60 is about my limit of comfort in day time, 80 is just insane, add night, no thanks.