|
Sept. 1, 2000
Vol. 30, No. 273
For more information, contact Jennifer Hall, Information and Education
Office, at 302-739-4506 or Master Cpl. Joyce A. Hennessey at 302-739-3486
about boating safety.
Search Continues for Man Who Capsized in Christina
River;
Division of Fish and Wildlife Encourages Everyone to Boat Safe and Sober
Labor Day
Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers of the Department
of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are continuing their
search for a New Castle man who capsized from his boat on the Christina
River Thursday night.
Michael D. Lewis, 41, had been fishing with two others when they decided
to check their crab pots near the 7th Street railroad bridge. While
checking their pots, the 16-foot boat’s propeller was entangled
with the rope from the crab pots. All the occupants were dumped into
the river when the vessel took on too much water and flipped over.
Lamont Graves, of New Castle, was the Delaware operator and owner of
the boat, and Jabari Monroe, of Wilmington, was the other passenger.
Graves and Monroe swam to the railroad bridge and Lewis was last seen
in the water overtaken by the outgoing tide.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the accident with
the assistance of the Wilmington Fire Company and Police Department
and the U.S. Coast Guard. Alcohol was involved.
With the Labor Day weekend upon us, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement reminds
boaters to take safety seriously this weekend when boating and having
fun. Many fatalities and accidents can be avoided simply by using common
sense and following these guidelines:
- Keep a good lookout at all times. In 1999, 80 percent of all Delaware’s
boating accidents were due to a collision.
- Wear your life jacket at all times. In Delaware, 98 percent of
all Delaware’s boating fatalities could have been prevented
had the victim been wearing a life jacket.
- Do not mix alcohol and boating. About 50 percent of fatal boating
accidents involved alcohol use by the boat operator or passengers.
Delaware statistics show 19 boating accidents reported as of this date
and 22 reported as of the same date in 1999. Out of those reported to
date, there have been nine collisions, three capsizings, one swamping,
two wake injuries, one due to improper lookout, one hit and run, one
falling overboard, and one explosion. The collisions were listed as
collisions with jetties/fixed objects in the water. Also, out of the
19 accidents reported, three are personal watercraft, two privately
owned and one rental.
Boaters can use a navigational chart to assess their location while
underway. Keeping a good lookout and knowing the area and where you
are at all times will usually prevent an accident. Operating a boat
or personal watercraft is no different that operating a motor vehicle.
Don’t count on other boat operators to be aware you are there or
that he or she will adhere to the rules of the road.
Delaware registers 45,854 recreational vessels per year. Boat registration
has increased approximately 1,200 per year; personal watercraft registrations
have increased by 1,000 per year in the past four years. Boating is
a fun recreational sport but can become deadly in a manner of seconds.
Treat your boat operation seriously.
The Department’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, Office
of Boating Education staff and volunteers work to prevent boating accidents
by educating the public and making boating safe and enjoyable on Delaware’s
waterways. Please call 302-739-3486 or 1-800-464-4357 for boating classes
or questions, or 302-739-3498 for Delaware boat registration.
- 30 -
Document no. 40-01/00/09/01
|
