There was a deadly boating accident in Livingston Parish, Louisiana on July 28, 2024. According to reports, a 25-foot pontoon boat and a 25-foot Sea Fox boat collided on Tickfaw River near midnight. Two people were killed as a result of the collision. The incident remains under investigation.
Collisions between recreational boats can occur due to a variety of factors, especially when navigating at night. One of the primary causes is reduced visibility. Around midnight, natural light is minimal, making it difficult for boat operators to see other vessels, navigational markers, or obstacles. Despite the use of navigation lights, the darkness can obscure smaller boats or those with insufficient lighting, leading to a higher risk of collision. Operators may struggle to judge distances and the speed of approaching vessels, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Navigational errors are also a common cause of boat collisions at night. In the darkness, it is easier for operators to become disoriented and misinterpret navigational aids. Without clear visual references, even experienced boaters can make mistakes in reading charts, interpreting signals, or following the correct course. This disorientation can lead to boats straying from safe channels and inadvertently crossing paths with other vessels, resulting in collisions.
Finally, a lack of communication between boaters can contribute to accidents. At night, it is crucial for operators to use all available communication tools, such as marine radios and sound signals, to convey their intentions and positions to nearby vessels. In many cases, recreational boaters may not be familiar with or properly use these communication protocols, leading to misunderstandings and misjudgments. Failure to communicate effectively can result in both boats taking evasive actions too late, or not at all, culminating in a collision.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving vessels. A tanker collided with a fishing boat in Port Aransas, Texas on July 13, 2024. There was an explosion on a charter fishing boat in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on July 13, 2024. The tugboat Miss Peggy capsized in the Houston Ship Channel on July 19, 2024. There was an explosion followed by massive fire on the container ship MAERSK FRANKFURT on July 19, 2024. There was a deadly boating accident in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana on July 23, 2024. A 25-foot pontoon boat capsized in Lake Powell near the Utah-Arizona border on July 26, 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 a boating accident. 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.