Boat Operator To Appear In Magistrates Court
The police have confirmed that the operator of the boat that spent two nights stranded at sea recently has been “issued with several summonses and will appear in Magistrates’ Court in the near future regarding the offences that were committed.”
Two people onboard a 17ft boat were stranded at sea for two nights after their vessel suffered an electrical fault, with the boat reported overdue from a fishing trip on Thursday, and discovered by a dive group on Saturday [Sept 13].
The 17ft Bayliner — named De Wocka Flocka — was stranded at sea on both Thursday and Friday night, until the boaters managed to attract the attention of a passing dive boat using a fog horn.
Officials said they went on the fishing trip “without a VHF radio, no lifejackets and the cell phones carried also had flat batteries, which inhibited their ability to call for help,” which they said was a “timely reminder” of the importance of carrying appropriate safety equipment.
A police spokesperson said, “Following this past weekend’s search and rescue effort involving an overdue vessel, the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] Marine Unit, Bermuda Radio and the Bermuda Water Safety Council wish to remind local mariners that the responsible operation of a watercraft includes having the required safety and communications equipment onboard before leaving any dock or mooring.
Inspector Robert Cardwell, Officer Responsible for the Marine Unit stated: “I can confirm that the BPS Marine Unit was involved in this search, working together and coordinating efforts to recover the overdue vessel with Bermuda Radio.
“There are some serious concerns around the tragedy that could have resulted from this incident, which was avoidable.
“As the summer comes to an end, it is a timely opportunity to remind mariners of the requirement to have available in their vessels all of the prescribed safety equipment by law, which includes life jackets, flares and a working VHF radio. Leaflets on the details of what is required are available on the Bermuda Water Safety Council website [www.wsc.bm].
“On a separate note, I would like to commend the operator of the dive boat that came to the assistance of the two persons involved in this incident.”
“The operator of the overdue vessel has been issued with several summonses and will appear in Magistrates’ Court in the near future regarding the offences that were committed,” added Inspector Cardwell.
interesting that there wasnt any more on the boaters that crashed their “race boat”, speeding so close to land, im sceptical on the life jackets in their situation that they were even being worn, the racing life jackets usually have breech straps if im correct, which would prevent the life jacket from “flying off”, they are usually rated for at least 100mph and im sure that boat wasnt going faster than 70mph. anyone without proper equipment should be fined, period, they not only endanger their lives, but the lives of the people who have to go and help them.
In the US you can be held liable for costs incurred by the authorities who came out looking for your sorry backside.
Don’t expect the taxpayer to pay for your negligence.
****BINGO****
He woulda been better off staying out at sea lol
Wocka Flocka Fine!
Ok, am checking dem batteries ……
pretty sure these guys learned their lesson. Unless the fine will offset court costs, let it go. Not worth wasting tax payer money on something these guys will probably never do again.
Then again, it is Bermuda. It isn’t against the norm to have to pay for the same thing twice here!
Sometimes a lesson must be taught to prevent the next fool from doing the same. When they go missing the taxpayers must pay for marine police search and rescue, fire service , ambulance services and much more …sometimes for days before they are found or until the search is called off!
We need to fix stupid , and sometimes hitting someone in the wallet is what people respond to. At other times, those with money need time in jail as a deterrent. There were TWO adults in that boat and both acted selfishly and ignorantly and as boat OWNERS and NOT renters they know better.
Make an example of them! Im tired of paying for other peoples ignorance! An accident is one thing, but ignorance is another.
Then again too, if the next guys do not learn from this lesson even more taxpayer’s money will be wasted the next time someone tries this stunt. FINE THEM!!!
Many will watch the outcome of this case.
Hope the court sends them a very *STIFF* message about their responsibilities and wasting the Tax Payers $$$ and time!!! Here in the States – they make you pay for your stupidity!!
There should be set fines for each offense, and then a total one must pay. Going to court for every little thing is spending more money and is not a cost effective solution, if they are really worried about setting an example then don’t got out looking for them when the are lost. I’m sure the next person will think twice before attempting the same.