There was a deadly accident involving a small boat in Corpus Christi, Texas on May 20, 2024. According to reports, a small boat hit a sandbar near Marker 37 Marina on South Padre Island on Monday afternoon. One person was killed and one was injured as a result of the accident. The deceased victim has been identified as Steven Chaney. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this tragic incident.
Navigating shallow waters presents several challenges for small boat operators, and one of the significant risks is hitting a sandbar. When a boat strikes a sandbar, it can cause immediate and severe damage to the vessel’s hull, propeller, and engine. The sudden impact can lead to cracks or holes in the hull, resulting in water ingress and potential sinking if not addressed promptly. The propeller and engine are also at risk of being damaged or completely disabled, leaving the boat stranded and unable to move under its own power.
In addition to the structural damage, hitting a sandbar poses significant safety risks to the boat’s occupants. The abrupt halt can cause passengers to be thrown forward or even ejected from the boat, leading to injuries such as bruises, cuts, fractures, or more severe trauma. If the boat becomes stuck on the sandbar, passengers may need to disembark to free the vessel, which can be hazardous, especially in rough waters or poor weather conditions. Moreover, the situation can become dire if the boat is hit by other vessels due to its unexpected stationary position.
Environmental factors further compound the risks associated with hitting a sandbar. Navigating unfamiliar waters, especially during low tide or in areas with shifting sands, increases the likelihood of running aground. Poor visibility due to fog, darkness, or heavy rain can make it difficult to see sandbars until it is too late to avoid them. Additionally, reliance on outdated or inaccurate navigational charts can lead to unexpected encounters with sandbars. To mitigate these risks, boaters should use updated charts, depth finders, and GPS systems, and exercise caution when navigating shallow or unfamiliar waters. Regular maintenance and preparedness for emergency situations are also critical to ensuring safety on the water.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving vessels. Two boats collided in Biscayne Bay in Florida on April 21, 2024. A small boat capsized on Lake Houston in Texas on April 30, 2024. There was a recreational boating accident in Hall County, Georgia on May 5, 2024. A crew member went overboard from the Carnival Cruise ship CARNIVAL VENEZIA on May 10, 2024. A teenager was killed while water skiing off Key Biscayne, Florida on May 12, 2024. Two people were injured when their boat ran aground on Lake Sam Rayburn in Texas on May 17, 2024.
Our experienced lawyers handle maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation of all kinds and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of a maritime accident. The lawyers of Spagnoletti Law Firm have handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.
The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident on a ship. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to maritime injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.