This case involves a collision between a ferry and an anchored sailboat in Connecticut on a holiday weekend in the summer. The operator of the ferry decided to cut across the marina, misjudged the current, and collided with the anchored boat. The owner of the sailboat was entertaining 6 guests aboard his boat. When the ferry collided with the sailboat, several of the passengers suffered head and neck injuries. In addition, the sailboat sustained $15,000 worth of damages. An expert boat captain with experience in ferry or boat operations was sought to opine on best practices in this scenario and how such a situation could have been prevented.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please describe your experience with boat operations.
Expert Witness Response E-071393
I have 35 years of experience sailing, and I am intimately familiar with maritime industries and operational areas. I have towed barges on rivers, bays, and inlets primarily in support of fishing operations. Judging and negotiating currents, tidal effects, weather influences, and vessel traffic were required daily. I have been working as an expert since 1989, and I have reviewed similar cases. I have been admitted to numerous state courts.
