Commercial Fisherman Killed in Yacht Accident
According to the Westerly Sun, a commercial fisherman died after his 25-foot vessel was involved in a collision with a yacht near the Watch Hill Lighthouse, off the coast of Rhode Island.
The accident took place on September 22. Friends of the victim, 81, reported that he was a longtime commercial rod-and-reel fisherman who sold his catch at Stonington Town Dock, where he sometimes filled in as a dockmaster.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the accident, which occurred at around 10:18 a.m., along with nearby boaters who witnessed the collision. According to a press release, a 60-foot Princess-yacht rammed the victim’s boat, causing it to capsize.
First-responders were able to pull the victim’s body from the water, although he was unresponsive. His body was then transferred to the state medical examiner’s office via ambulance. The Sun reported that conditions on the water were rough at the time of the accident, as there were waves estimated at 4 to 6 feet.
The accident remains under investigation.
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