With boating accidents in the news after Jose Fernandez’s death, and summer coming to a close here in Massachusetts, we’re reviewing boating accident statistics, accidents, and fatalities in 2015. We urge boaters to remain safe & vigilant while on the water and anyone who was injured in a boating accident to contact an experienced attorney to discuss their options for compensation.
Recent Boating Accidents in Massachusetts
Recently, at the Bill Giles Memorial Regatta on Watson Pond State Park in Taunton, Massachusetts, three boats crashed while racing at speeds in excess of 65 miles per hour, which claimed the lives of two long-time and experienced boat racers.
Earlier this summer at Scituate Harbor, a woman was sitting on the back of a boat when it jerked forward. She was thrown into the water where one of her legs became caught in the boat propeller. She suffered a life-threatening injury, but fortunately, her companions were able to pull her back into the boat and stem the bleeding and save her life. Unfortunately, she faces multiple surgeries as doctors work to save her leg.
Every year in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the great pleasures of boating are sometimes offset with the great sorrow of fatal or disabling accidents. The Coast Guard reports that almost all of these boating accidents are due to someone’s negligence.
Boating Accident Statistics in Massachusetts
The Coast Guard reports that in 2015 in Massachusetts, there were 89 reported boating accidents. Federal law requires a boating accident to be reported to a state or Commonwealth reporting agency when one of the following occurs:
- A person dies.
- A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.
- A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid.
- Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 or more.
- There is a complete loss of any vessel.
Massachusetts law requires boaters to comply with all federal reporting laws. Boating accidents are to be reported to the Boat and Recreation Safety Bureau. In 2015, five people were killed in Massachusetts boating accidents. Another 37 were reported to have been injured.
The Causes of Boat Accidents
The Coast Guard compiles statistics as to the main causes of all boating accidents in an attempt to provide education to boaters, both drivers and their boating guests, on how to prevent accidents from happening. The statistics are divided according to accidents in which people died and those that caused injuries.
Main causes of accidents resulting in a death
The top five contributing factors to boating deaths in 2015 were, in the following order:
- Use of alcohol.
- Operator inattention.
- Inexperienced boat operator.
- Excessive speed.
- Improper lookout.
Alcohol use was a contributing factor in 3 of the 5 boating accident deaths:
Main causes of accidents resulting in injuries
The top five contributing factors to boating injuries in 2015 were, in the following order:
- Operator inattention.
- Inexperienced boat operator.
- Improper lookout.
- Excessive speed.
- Alcohol use.
The Coast Guard lists 25 more causes of accidents involving injuries or death. Almost all are based on negligence.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Boat operators have a duty to safely operate their boats. When they fail to comply with this duty and act negligently, they are liable for paying damages to those who were injured or to the surviving family members of those who were injured or killed.
If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, contact Peter Ventura, Attorney at Law for a free consultation. He has a 25-year track record of success in helping clients receive compensation. There is a legal time limit for when you must file your claim after the incident occurs, so do not delay.
Image via flickr
