Triple Fatality Boating Accident at MM47

[MickinMO]

Until we know how the two in the water died, either drowning or trauma, it is hard to say how fast they were going. One of the victims was still in the boat, that would lead me to believe that the speed was high enough to cause massive trauma. I would think even a dead stop at 15 mph could do it. Still lot of things not adding up to me. They ran aground near Simmons Point and the injured driver was able to paddle an 18-20 ft runabout back across the channel? That is quite a feat by itself, but would have to think the boat would be so damaged it would have taken on a lot of water.

[tjm]

14 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Gentle cruising speed in a boat like that is 28-30

Would you consider that safe at night or in fog? iirc, from my Navy days, small craft don't come with brakes nor head lights?

[nomolites]

Speed limit at night is 30 on LOZ.

Mike

[moguy1973]

7 minutes ago, nomolites said:

Speed limit at night is 30 on LOZ.

Mike

I wonder what the percentage of people that actually abide by that is?  I remember staying at the Lakewood Resort several years ago at the mouth of the Grand Glaize and watching boats scream up and down the main channel after dark.

[tjm]

Well, I am amazed that this isn't nightly or weekly occurrence, then.

Would those same people drive cars with no head lights at 30mph? Faster?

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, tjm said:

Would you consider that safe at night or in fog? iirc, from my Navy days, small craft don't come with brakes nor head lights?

If you can clearly see then sure.   If you can't then no of course not.   Every decision requires the use of a brain.  

Some brains are better than others apparently.

[tjm]

My brain isn't the best, but it says no one can see clearly at night or in fog, I don't boat though and boaters seem to be special so maybe they can see better too. Thanks for answering my questions, it's stuff I never thought about.

[MOPanfisher]

Almost every accident like this is a result of one or more bad decisions.  It's a sad deal any way you slice it.  If there is a positive note it is that they did not run over another boat and kill them too.