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Man thrown into river as boat crosses another’s wake

On Behalf of | Jun 7, 2019 | Boating Accidents

It is easy for Manhattan residents to draw the distinction between travelling by boat as opposed to a car. A much greater sense of security may be felt in a boat given that so many people drive cars (thus increasing the chances of being involved in an accident). Yet it is that relative sense of isolation that can make boating so dangerous. Often, the boar operators (especially those operating small boats and pleasure craft) can forget that there are craft out on the water, and that the potential hazards that other boats pose can be dangerous

This was evidenced in a recent boating accident that occurred in Louisiana. Two men were traveling on a river in a small fiberglass boat when the driver cut across the wake left by another craft. Officials say that doing caused the boat to shift violently, throwing its passenger overboard. The man was not wearing a flotation device, and he quickly went under. His body was recovered by rescuers some time later. His official cause of death has yet to be determined. 

Accidents such as this one highlight two very common issues that come with boating. The first was alluded to before, that being the potential carelessness of operators when driving their boats in the vicinity of others. The second is the lack of passengers wearing appropriate flotation devices. No one knows when a boating accident can occur, and the shock from one can render even strong swimmers helpless in the water. Boat operators should insist that their passengers follow safe precautions at all times; those who do not could open themselves up to claims of negligence. Those looking to pursue such a claim may wish to first secure the services of an experienced attorney.