Copyright © 2007 Cedarbyrne Consulting Services. All Rights Reserved.
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Boating Collisions, Fires & Explosions, & Other Incidents
Glancing Blow
Sideswiping hit to the stern of
this runabout causes a major
fracture to the structure. Note the
parallel abrasions blow the crack
that help define the impact
angles.
Crashes on the water present their own set of unique problems that need to be considered
in any boating collision. Unlike motor vehicles, typical evidence like skid marks or fallen
debris are not present; and boats will move after the accident, making the exact point of
impact hard to define. However, boats also leave very distinctive damage patterns that can
assist a trained investigator in reconstructing the crash correctly.
Hull construction can significantly define how a boat will react in a certain situation, as will
weight distribution or a change in the center of gravity or the center of buoyancy. It is very
important that the actions of the vessel are carefully defined, both prior to the accident and
following. Subtle or sudden changes can quickly cause a fall overboard, capsizing or
sinking.
In addition to collisions, other accidents, like fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning,
need to be investigated as well. The causes of these, often times fatal accidents, can be
from a variety of reasons that are not always obvious from the start. The use of automotive
instead of marine grade parts in an engine can quickly cause an explosion or fire. Changes
in airflow behind the transom, or venting generator exhaust, can cause an abundance of
carbon monoxide inside a cabin. Electrocution can also occur from faulty shore power lines
or even a lightning strike.
With the variety of vessels present on our waterways, it is important to be intimately familiar
with the type of boat being investigated and the unique characteristics of each of them. With
these differences, there are also rules about operation that need to be considered while
investigating an incident. Rules of the road, often times misunderstood by recreational
boaters, can make a difference in responsibility for a crash. And like ATVs, ORVs or even
motor vehicles, modifications to a vessel may not only increase performance, but could also
result in a change in stability or instability.
Contact Cedarbyrne Consulting Services at (207) 423-3175 or email info@cedarbyrne.com
for more information about boating collisions or for a private discussion about your case.
Honda Recall
Some 2003 ARX1200T3 PWCs
from Honda may have lock nuts
that were not securely tightened
or tightened correctly. These
nuts secure the steering cable
holder to the handlebar shaft and
may cause a loss of steering
control. Contact Honda directly
for more information.
