National Safe Boating Week Ends Today, But Drunk Boating Needs to be Avoided All Year
The Austin American-Statesman reported that 54-year-old John Russell Roy died in a boat accident at the Double D Ranch in Rosanky, Texas, on May 3. Roy was out on a lake on the ranch with David Fentress when they hit a concrete water intake. Fentress was transported to University Medical Center Brackenridge with serious injuries, and Donna Van Gilder of the Bastrop County Justice of the Peace Van Gilder told the Statesman that the boat had no lights on it and there was “evidence of alcohol on the boat.”
Alcohol was also a factor in another fatal boating accident two days later in Taunton, Massachusetts. The Taunton Daily Gazette reported that 47-year-old Manuel Pinheiro died in a boating accident on the Taunton River when the 17 ½-foot motorboat he was riding in hit a tree in the water. Investigators said the boat was being operated at a “high rate of speed,” and the Gazette reported that 46-year-old boat operator Anthony Rose was arrested after failing several sobriety tests and charged with operating under the influence of liquor.
As the National Safe Boating Council’s 2013 National Safe Boating Week concludes today, it is important to once again emphasize that the US Coast Guard says alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says passengers are also at greater risk of injury when individuals operate vessel while under the influence. According to the CDC, 46 percent of all boating fatalities occurred when vessels were docked, anchored or drifting.
The Jones Act attorneys at Latti & Anderson LLP help victims of drunk boating accidents, and you can find more information about how our firm helps victims and their family members by visiting our website. If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed while working on the water, fill out the form on this page to let our Boston maritime trial lawyers review your case or contact our firm at (800) 392-6072 to set up a free initial consultation.
Latti & Anderson LLP – Boston maritime attorneys