Please be safe on the waters...

[mchottie]

https://wjla.com/news/local/boat-cra...-bay-annapolis

A Powerboat collided with a Sailboat just off Annapolis in the Chesapeake Bay.

ABC7 WJLA DC facebook video:

https://www.facebook.com/wjlatv/videos/502203570207595/

If a powerboat can completely miss a sailboat, you can be sure he would also miss a smaller sized kayak. Please practice safety on the water, and you know the rule, "you can be diligent, but always be on the lookout distracted/wreckless drivers" same is true on the water as it is on the roadways.

[Mark]

Michael,

My assumption always is that I am not seen in my kayak. I'm exceedingly cautious and very aware of surrounding boats in open water. Not that that does much good if a speeding motor boat ever heads directly at me.

That's an incredible photo. It's remarkable that no one was physically hurt. Both parties are going to be stressed dealing with their insurance companies and whatever legal investigations ensue.

[mi327]

Michael,

My assumption always is that I am not seen in my kayak. I'm exceedingly cautious and very aware of surrounding boats in open water. Not that that does much good if a speeding motor boat ever heads directly at me.

That's an incredible photo. It's remarkable that no one was physically hurt. Both parties are going to be stressed dealing with their insurance companies and whatever legal investigations ensue.

I am amazed no one got hurt either, good reminder to keep an eye out especially during summer months when there are allot of boats out on the water, particaullary ones with inexperienced or reckless operators. Not sure what the guy in the fishing boat was doing since sail boats under sail have the right a way, and a sailboat that size should have been easy to spot, and going slow enough to be easily avoided.

[Steve6902]

The owner of the boat just got his Captain license and that was his FIRST trip out on his custom made brand-new boat. I know someone that fishes with him. And correct a sail boat "under sail" has the right of way.

[brianisoutside]

Please be safe on the waters...

The owner of the boat just got his Captain license and that was his FIRST trip out on his custom made brand-new boat. I know someone that fishes with him. And correct a sail boat "under sail" has the right of way.

This is being debated on another group I’m b too. Apparently Sailing vessels are to yield to Vessels engaged in fishing. Wish I knew what C continued on to say. Either way it never should’ve happened.


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[J.A. Veil]

The captain of the charter boat is very experienced as a boat operator and a fisherman. All that most of us know at this point is the final bizarre result, as shown in the photo of the charter boat sitting on top of the sail boat. It certainly looks bad. But before jumping on the bandwagon to convict the captain, I want to learn more about what actually happened.

> The boat was newly commissioned -- was there a mechanical problem that caused loss of control?
> Did the captain or a passenger have a medical emergency that kept the boat from being operated under control?
> Did something else unexpected happen?
> I was on a charter boat yesterday, but well to the south of Thomas Point. The seas were choppy during the morning, and by early afternoon had turned rough. I don't know how the seas were near Thomas Point, but bad weather could have been an issue.
> Was something else in the water near where the collision occurred (e.g., a kayak, another boat, a swimmer, a large piece of debris) that cause the charter boat to swerve on short notice?


I am no expert on maritime law, but the section of Rule 18 cited above may not be relevant here. I think it applies to large commercial fishing vessels that may be towing trawls or large nets and have limited ability to maneuver. I have never heard that it applies to recreational fishing boats, fishing kayaks, or even charter boats. I think it is highly unlikely that the charter boat was trolling (which potentially could have given it some right-of-way) as the captain specialized in light tackle jigging and other non-trolling techniques.

It was a bad accident. Thankfully nobody was hurt physically. There may be financial and legal implications for the captain and/or the fishing charter company for which he works. The takeaway lesson that was mentioned by the original poster is that all of us need to be vigilant and pay attention to what other vessels are doing near us. All kayakers should carry a noisemaking device (whistle or other). Make sure you know where that is and be able to grab it and use it on short notice. For visual signaling, I found the most visible object from a kayak across the water is light colored paddle blades moving up and down. If your paddle has dark blades, add some bright-colored or reflective tape. Even when using a pedal kayak, you should have a paddle with you. Stick the paddle up in the air and wave it back and forth to get the attention of an oncoming boat.

[ronaultmtd]

Us kayakers are always mindful of powerboats having the potential for us to have a really “bad day”...when I hear the sound of a boat engine, I start looking to locate the approaching boat and start thinking of taking evasive action to protect myself...just had way too many “close calls” over the years with powerboat operators either not paying attention or just wanting to get close and see the kayak...yesterday, Yak67 and I were fishing together...I was trolling back and forth across a bar catching school Stripers...a crabber ran his boat and dropped a trot line directly in my troll, cutting me off from my fishing...time to go home...

[mi327]

The captain of the charter boat is very experienced as a boat operator and a fisherman. All that most of us know at this point is the final bizarre result, as shown in the photo of the charter boat sitting on top of the sail boat. It certainly looks bad. But before jumping on the bandwagon to convict the captain, I want to learn more about what actually happened.

> The boat was newly commissioned -- was there a mechanical problem that caused loss of control?
> Did the captain or a passenger have a medical emergency that kept the boat from being operated under control?
> Did something else unexpected happen?
> I was on a charter boat yesterday, but well to the south of Thomas Point. The seas were choppy during the morning, and by early afternoon had turned rough. I don't know how the seas were near Thomas Point, but bad weather could have been an issue.
> Was something else in the water near where the collision occurred (e.g., a kayak, another boat, a swimmer, a large piece of debris) that cause the charter boat to swerve on short notice?


I am no expert on maritime law, but the section of Rule 18 cited above may not be relevant here. I think it applies to large commercial fishing vessels that may be towing trawls or large nets and have limited ability to maneuver. I have never heard that it applies to recreational fishing boats, fishing kayaks, or even charter boats. I think it is highly unlikely that the charter boat was trolling (which potentially could have given it some right-of-way) as the captain specialized in light tackle jigging and other non-trolling techniques.

You are correct the Coast Guard declares a "vessel engaged in fishing" means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability.

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=Rule03

I am very interested in the report says it seems very odd that this happened on a clear calm day on the bay.

[bignose]

We have had several close calls while running the Charter Boat.
Yes, the power boat is the 'Yield to" vessel when crossing the path of a boat under sail. But stuff happens.........

Surrounding vessels that are running parallel to your course making sudden unexpected turns across your path.....I see this a lot around opening day, and it is a reason I will no longer go out then.

We had a small aluminum outboard, pass us on the right side, pull about 20 yards ahead of us, turn left and drop anchor directly in front of us. Fortunately, we were trolling at a relatively low speed.
We were able to avoid them, and the old captain, a former Marine, cut loose with a string of obscenities that was impressive for it's length and level of intensity.

The sailboats use the anchored boats at Hackett's Point as slalom gates. We've had them run thru our lines and had them snag our anchor rope twice.

Last year we had a young guy who was jigging off of the fly bridge of a 42 foot boat drift broadside up our anchor line, in spite of our whistling and horn blowing. He came within 3 feet of having our anchor pulpit punch a hole in his side before he started his motor and slipped off the anchor line. Total space cadet.

[mchottie]

Two respectable watermen have also said there is way more to the story than appears.

- I'm curious to the the USCG final report

- By the looks of the photo, the media has already crucified the powerboat captain (unfortunately)

Again, curious to hear once all the data is collected. Such and unfortunate accident and glad no one was injured.