Man Drowns After Boat Capsizes Off Panama City, Florida

Gerry McGill — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:56:00 GMT

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that a man drowned over the weekend off of Panama City, Florida as rough weather pounded the Florida Panhandle. The victim was identified as 55 year-old Morris Miller of Tallahassee. Miller and 33 year-old Archie White were in a 21 foot boat that capsized Saturday afternoon. White was able to swim to nearby Shell Island but Miller's body was found by rescue workers around 6 p.m. Saturday.

Despite the fact that a National Weather Service "high surf advisory" warning of rip currents and high winds was in effect at the time, NEITHER MAN WAS WEARING A LIFE JACKET. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on it's website : myfwc.com recommends operators and passengers wear life jackets all the time while underway, noting that "The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80% of boating fatality victims". That certainly seems to be the case here.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Gerry McGill

Your (overturned) Boat is Your Best Life Jacket

Gerry McGill — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:50:43 GMT

The recent, tragic boating accident in the Gulf of Mexico which took the lives of two NFL players and one other young man illustrated the old Coast Guard saying that "your boat is your best life jacket". The only survivor was found clinging to the motor of the overturned boat . Many years ago I commanded a 95 foot Coast Guard cutter doing search and rescue work in the Atlantic off the east coast of Florida. I can tell you from experience that it is much easier to locate a boat from the air or by radar than it is to locate a person floating in the water. So if you are ever in a position where your boat overturns, and you can't wade to shore, stick with your boat. With the start of the Gulf boating season I plan to do more postings on boating safety, but for now, before another season starts, call your local Coast Guard Auxillary for a courtesy safety inspection. It's free and if you are lacking something they will tell you and you can get it. They will NOT issue a citation or report you to the Coast Guard or other law enforcement agencies.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Gerry McGill

Biloxi / Gulfport Personal Injury Lawyer - life jackets

Man Drowns After Boat Capsizes Off Panama City, Florida

Your (overturned) Boat is Your Best Life Jacket