Nighttime River Adventure Leads to Drowning Tragedy: A Case Study on Overboard Protocols

Case Overview

This case involves a young adult who was participating in a river cruise that included alcohol service. On a December evening, the individual fell overboard. The first mate observed the fall but was unable to immediately alert the crew due to loss of sight of the individual. Although the crew attempted to locate the person and deployed a buoy, the buoy was untethered, resulting in the crew missing the individual as they swam toward it. Tragically, the individual went underwater and drowned before rescue efforts could be effectively coordinated. The plaintiff alleges that the boat crew failed to adhere to proper safety protocols and did not equip the vessel with the necessary safety equipment for responding to overboard incidents. An expert in recreational charter boat operations and safety is being consulted to evaluate industry standards and best practices in such emergency scenarios.

Questions to the Boating Accident expert and their responses

Please describe your experience as a captain on charter vessels with alcohol service.

I have 30 years of experience operating vessels as a captain plus substantial administration experience in the charter business including management and consulting. I have been captain of an 86' three-deck party boat, a 110' party boat, and a 63' party boat, all with licenses to serve alcohol. In addition, I have operated many charters on many boats that served alcohol to private parties, not requiring an alcohol license.

Briefly, what measures should be taken when a passenger goes overboard at night?

In a man overboard situation, the boat should be stopped and a MOB fix should be entered into the GPS. Type V flotation devices and anything else that floats should be thrown into the water. Searchlights and other available lights should be used to illuminate the waters near the location where the victim went into the water. If the operator is reasonably sure the boat has not moved a significant distance from the location where the victim went into the water, engines should be stopped and shut down to avoid the possibility of the victim contacting a spinning propeller. Music should be shut down and everyone onboard should be enlisted in attempting to locate the victim.

About the expert

This expert has over 30 years of experience in the field of sailing and boating safety. He earned his BA from the University of Massachusetts and is a licensed coast guard master by the United States Coast Guard. This expert previously was the executive vice president of the American Sailing Association and later a consultant at Blue Pacific Yachting Management. He also served as the captain for Wequassett Inn and Dream Yacht Charter. Currently, he serves as a licensed master for an independent boating service in Massachusetts.

E-742906

Specialties:

Boating Accident

Nighttime River Adventure Leads to Drowning Tragedy