Deadly Holiday Weekend
On Saturday night, two boats – one carrying 10 people and the other carrying six – collided head-on. The boat crash threw all sixteen passengers into the river as the two boats took on water and sank. Fellow boaters in the area did what they could to pull passengers aboard, however the strong currents swept some victims nearly 5 miles downstream. Four passengers were initially reported missing. Since then the bodies of two victims have been recovered. The other two remain missing.
According to reports, none of the passengers were wearing life jackets and authorities are investigating whether alcohol and/or speed was a contributing factor in the accident.
Holiday Weekends Often Turn Deadly
Labor Day weekend for many has come to be the last hoorah of summer, spent with family and friends out on the water. Unfortunately, many long summer holiday weekends turn deadly. Over Labor Day weekend of 2015, two boats collided in Descanso Bay killing two young men and injuring others. Over Memorial Day weekend 2014, a young woman was enjoying a ride as the passenger on a jet ski when she was t-boned by another jet ski, operated by a driver under the influence. The accident resulted in severe crush injuries to her leg.
Rules of the (Water) Road
There are no hard and fast ways to prevent accidents on the water. However, just like driving on the road, there are certain rules of the road we abide by to keep ourselves, our passengers and fellow drivers safe. First and foremost, anyone who has been drinking should not operate a vessel. It’s not legal on the road, and it’s not legal on the water. Second, it’s recommended to wear a life jacket anytime you are aboard a recreational boat. Finally, keep your speed in check. Inexperience operating the vessel and crowded waterways during a holiday weekend can be a simple recipe for tragedy. Please stay safe.
