Man Killed In Boating Accident In Pelican Harbor Marina
Boats often operate in large expanses of water, such as lakes and oceans. As such, nobody really thinks of them getting into an accident. After all, driving a boat is not the same as driving a vehicle on a busy roadway.
A Florida man was recently killed in a boating accident in Pelican Harbor Marina. The man went missing on November 9 and his body was recovered three days later.
The 36-year-old man was test driving a 32-foot boat he had just sold. The person who purchased the boat was waiting for him at Pelican Harbor Marina, but the man never returned. He was reported missing that evening.
The boat was later found near Julia Tuttle Causeway, but the man was not on board. It is unknown what happened, but the boat had damage to the front side.
The U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and the Miami-Dade Police Department all searched for the man. The boater’s friend found his body on the morning of November 12 near the Julia Tuttle Causeway.
The man was an avid boater and owner of a boating business named Hellkat Powerboats. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is still investigating the boating accident.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Why do boating crashes happen? Here are some common reasons:
- Many boaters don’t pay attention like they should. They think they are safe out on the water, but accidents can happen at any time.
- Dangerous water. Weather and water conditions can change at a moment’s notice. The tide can change and make water rough. This can affect the waves and wake, which can be dangerous for a smaller boat.
- Operating a boat is not as easy as it looks. A driver needs to be aware of emergency situations and boating laws.
- Alcohol use. Many boat occupants like to party and use alcohol. However, alcohol consumption can negatively impact judgment. Boating crashes involving alcohol use tend to be the deadliest.
- Equipment failure. Boat owners need to regularly maintain their vessel. When a boat is not properly cared for, it can cause components to fail. Any type of issue with the motor, hull, or steering mechanism can be problematic.
- Rule violations. Boat owners need to be mindful of the laws involved in operating their vessel. Not following the laws of a certain body of water is negligent and can lead to accidents. For example, operators may speed or run their boat aground.
Contact Us Today
Boating accidents are not as common as auto crashes, but they do happen. Unfortunately, they can be deadly, as seen in this case.
Boating accidents can result in significant damages. The Florida boat accident lawyers at Meldon Law can help you file a claim against the liable party and obtain compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our office by filling out the online form or calling (800) 373-8000. We have three offices to serve you: Gainesville, Ocala, and Fort Lauderdale.
Resource:
local10.com/news/local/2021/11/12/body-of-missing-boater-found-days-after-he-went-missing-near-pelican-harbor-marina/
