Man Dies in Attempt to Save Another Boater

A 26-year-old Vero Beach man died in a boating accident on Sunday, June 19. The man attempted to save the life of another young man, who was in danger of being run over by his own watercraft.

The 20-year-old boater, driving a 20-foot V-1 Blue Pathfinder, was reportedly performing risky maneuvers in a cove not far from Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. The driver was ejected from the watercraft, while the boat was still in gear, spinning circles around its driver who had landed in the water.

Three men swam out from a nearby beach, attempting to save the boat’s driver. While trying to board the watercraft to keep it from hitting its driver, the men were overrun.

St. Lucie Fire Rescue was called to the scene at approximately 5:40 p.m. The 26-year-old man sustained a head injury; he was pronounced dead at the accident scene. The two other men, both in their 20s, were taken to a nearby medical center for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the V-1 Blue Pathfinder was uninjured in the accident.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident. The agency has stated that alcohol was a factor in this fatal boating accident.

Free Boating Safety Course Offered

A free boating safety course will be offered Saturday, June 25, 2016, by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 54 and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation. The course will be held in Boynton Beach from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is open to all boaters. The course will cover federal and state boating laws, safety equipment, foul weather running conditions, and many other skills.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and pain and suffering. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Gordon & Partners can review your claim and determine your legal options for free.

Call 1 (855) 722-2552 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.