Ferry Collides With Sailboat During Holiday Weekend

Case Overview

This case involves a collision between a ferry and an anchored sailboat in Connecticut on a holiday weekend in the summer. The operator of the ferry decided to cut across the marina, misjudged the current, and collided with the anchored boat. The owner of the sailboat was entertaining 6 guests aboard his boat. When the ferry collided with the sailboat, several of the passengers suffered head and neck injuries. In addition, the sailboat sustained $15,000 worth of damages. An expert boat captain with experience in ferry or boat operations was sought to opine on best practices in this scenario and how such a situation could have been prevented.

Questions to the Maritime expert and their responses

Please describe your experience with boat operations.

I have 35 years of experience sailing, and I am intimately familiar with maritime industries and operational areas. I have towed barges on rivers, bays, and inlets primarily in support of fishing operations. Judging and negotiating currents, tidal effects, weather influences, and vessel traffic were required daily. I have been working as an expert since 1989, and I have reviewed similar cases. I have been admitted to numerous state courts.

About the expert

This expert has over 30 years of experience in maritime safety. He obtained his BS and MS in business management from Brigham Young University. He is a Hazardous Materials Manager and an Occupational Health & Safety Technician. In addition, he is certified as an Environmental /Safety Qualified Supervisor, OSHA instructor, and USCG Master. Previously, this expert served as a captain at Coastal Transportation, Inc and an environmental scientist at CH2M Hill. Currently, this expert serves as a consultant for a private maritime consulting company in Washington.

E-071393

Specialties:

Maritime