David Greer
Petty Officer 1st Class
- Joined
- May 7, 2006
- Messages
- 219
First understand I am not calling anyone stupid b/c I don't know all the facts but this is where we post mishaps so others can learn, or scoff, or both.
Around 10:00 Saturday I fishing at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tinnel, which is inside the Chesapeake Bay. Several boats around. Looked back at one that seemed to be showing a lot of bow, as if coming off a plane, or leaning funny. I saw a lot of bottom paint. Then the bow went up at a 45, then straight up! It dropped like it was a missile launch in reverse. I guess it was about 25' boat, late model, good shape; I never saw the engine, I think it may have been a cuddy.
Another boat was right there and got the guys off of it; no one hurt. It drifted on out with the tide and about 4' of bow straight up. Later I talked to the owner (hollerin' to the marine patrol boat he was on) and he said he had a low stern, took a couple of waves and then down she went. Personally, I think he had to have water in the hull first--no plug, popped a sea ****, bad seal on a I/O, or something. It was calm and boat traffic light. Upon reflection and discussion with others, it is likely he had a stern anchor out: the tide was running and there was enough large boat traffic he could have caught a series from a yacht or tugboat. But no way a boat that big would have swamped if it was floating (mine didn't).
The guys on the boat all jumped onto another boat that saw what was happening. Sea tow came later and got it up and towed it away.
What was astounding was how fast it sank. There would have been no time, once the stern quarter was awash, to grab anything, like a life preserver, flashlight, radio, ditch bag, cell phone in a baggie, child in the cabin. Makes you think about being out there in the cold, dark, or alone. In nature, there are no rewards or punishments, just consequences.
For anyone who reads this and doesn't know, don't tie your anchor to the stern (back of the boat) even though it's easier to get to, unless you really know what you are doing. And don't "motor up" your anchor from the stern. Apparently it killed those football players in Florida earlier this year.
Around 10:00 Saturday I fishing at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tinnel, which is inside the Chesapeake Bay. Several boats around. Looked back at one that seemed to be showing a lot of bow, as if coming off a plane, or leaning funny. I saw a lot of bottom paint. Then the bow went up at a 45, then straight up! It dropped like it was a missile launch in reverse. I guess it was about 25' boat, late model, good shape; I never saw the engine, I think it may have been a cuddy.
Another boat was right there and got the guys off of it; no one hurt. It drifted on out with the tide and about 4' of bow straight up. Later I talked to the owner (hollerin' to the marine patrol boat he was on) and he said he had a low stern, took a couple of waves and then down she went. Personally, I think he had to have water in the hull first--no plug, popped a sea ****, bad seal on a I/O, or something. It was calm and boat traffic light. Upon reflection and discussion with others, it is likely he had a stern anchor out: the tide was running and there was enough large boat traffic he could have caught a series from a yacht or tugboat. But no way a boat that big would have swamped if it was floating (mine didn't).
The guys on the boat all jumped onto another boat that saw what was happening. Sea tow came later and got it up and towed it away.
What was astounding was how fast it sank. There would have been no time, once the stern quarter was awash, to grab anything, like a life preserver, flashlight, radio, ditch bag, cell phone in a baggie, child in the cabin. Makes you think about being out there in the cold, dark, or alone. In nature, there are no rewards or punishments, just consequences.
For anyone who reads this and doesn't know, don't tie your anchor to the stern (back of the boat) even though it's easier to get to, unless you really know what you are doing. And don't "motor up" your anchor from the stern. Apparently it killed those football players in Florida earlier this year.
