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August 13, 2008
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June 20, 2008
NORTHWEST RECREATIONAL BOATING FATALITIES UP 18%
June 17, 2008
AT-SEA GAS EXPOSURE CAUSES DEATH OF CREWMEMBER
June 16, 2008
INVESTIGATION BEGUN IN FATAL SAILBOAT SINKING
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May 29, 2008
MECHANICAL PROBLEM LIKELY CAUSE OF FATAL HELICOPTER CRASH
INVESTIGATION BEGUN IN FATAL SAILBOAT SINKING
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
June 16, 2008
Topic: Vessel Crashes and Collisions
Texas A&M officials have ordered a probe into the sinking of the sailboat Cynthia Woods, which sank last week during a 630-mile regatta from Galveston, Texas to Vera Cruz, Mexico. Four students and one safety official from the vessel were rescued after floating for 26 hours in choppy seas, while another safety official, Roger Stone, was found dead aboard the sunken vessel. Mr. Stone drowned after heroically helping two students escape the cabin of the vessel. The Cynthia Woods sank after the keel of the vessel became separated from the hull, causing the vessel to take on water and capsize extremely quickly.
Officials do not yet know why the keel separated from the hull of the vessel shortly after the regatta began, but the finger-pointing has already begun. The vessel's manufacturer, Cape Fear Yacht Works, blames repair work done on the vessel's keel in 2007. The repair company, however, claims that the bolt arrangement and interior supporting structure of the vessel were flawed, putting the responsibility back on the manufacturer. Hopefully, the salvaging of the vessel and investigation into the sinking will reveal the cause of this tragedy.
Flaws in boat design or shoddy repair work can lead to tragedies like these, or serious injury. Even small things, such as a missing handrail or too-short stairs aboard a vessel can lead to injury, while more serious flaws like those in this case can lead to vessel losses or even losses of life. If you or a loved one has been injured at sea, be sure to find out about your rights under maritime law. Contact the experienced maritime lawyers at Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen for a free consultation about your potential case, or visit our website for more information about your rights under maritime law and the Jones Act.
