You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Account of Fl. boating tradgedy released.
- Thread starter cemiii
- Start date
starcrafttom
Active member
Around 5:30 p.m., they went to pull up the anchor and head back to port, but the anchor was stuck. Bleakley suggested they tie it to the transom and use the boat’s motor to pull it loose.
Do not tie off to your stern if there is any current or wind. They would have been better off pulling with the bow. Its a shame that three man died ( two millionaires) just to save a $100 anchor. CUT THE ROPE.
It is hard to know what to say--definately this was an error. The report also noted that alcohol was involved. Such as shame that lives were lost! However, if they had had an EPIRB the lives could have been saved--even with the mistake of trying to pull the anchor. A hundred hours is not much time--and it notes no practical or formal education. The Florida on line boating safety course clearly states: "Never anchor from the stern as this can cause the boat to swamp. The square stern may be hit by waves, and water will splash into the boat. The motor's weight will add to this problem."
My post on another forum reminded me that I suggest that you secure the end of a chain or heavy line in an anchor locker with a number of passes of light line--in a C Dory perhaps 1/8" to 1/4". Multiple passes of light line from a pad eye to the last link will allow chain or the bitter end of the anchor rode to come to the deck and be severed with a quick swipe of a sharp knife. Cutting 1/2" or thicker line is difficult and take time--which can be valuable if you have to get out of a place, by cutting the anchor free.
My post on another forum reminded me that I suggest that you secure the end of a chain or heavy line in an anchor locker with a number of passes of light line--in a C Dory perhaps 1/8" to 1/4". Multiple passes of light line from a pad eye to the last link will allow chain or the bitter end of the anchor rode to come to the deck and be severed with a quick swipe of a sharp knife. Cutting 1/2" or thicker line is difficult and take time--which can be valuable if you have to get out of a place, by cutting the anchor free.
Good suggestion Bob!!
Further, the light line can be cut from inside the boat by reaching into the anchor locker. Cutting the line inside the locker is fast and safer than going on deck in an emergency.
Commercial fishermen will fasten a Victorinox serrated blade (3 in) knife (like a steak knife) near locations where emergency cuts could be required. A simple open-top sheath can be velcroed or screwed in place just inside the locker.
Further, the light line can be cut from inside the boat by reaching into the anchor locker. Cutting the line inside the locker is fast and safer than going on deck in an emergency.
Commercial fishermen will fasten a Victorinox serrated blade (3 in) knife (like a steak knife) near locations where emergency cuts could be required. A simple open-top sheath can be velcroed or screwed in place just inside the locker.
You guys are thinking ahead, anticipating problems before they occur. That's a mark of experience.
I don't have a windlass (yet) but whenever I go forward to deal with my anchor/line I wear my inflatable and keep my fillet knife (Dexter-Russell) secured to my body with a belt or carabiner and a tether.
I think that anchoring/retrieving is the most dangerous thing I do on Adeline.
I don't have a windlass (yet) but whenever I go forward to deal with my anchor/line I wear my inflatable and keep my fillet knife (Dexter-Russell) secured to my body with a belt or carabiner and a tether.
I think that anchoring/retrieving is the most dangerous thing I do on Adeline.
You're right on, Tom. A good knife like my Spyderco Rescue will slice an anchor rope in one swipe, especially if there's a bit of tension on it. It's worth spending the money on a high quality serrated edge knife. All our helicopter crews carry them in our survival vests when flying. I've actually thought of fastening one to the stanchion of the bow rail so it will always be there.
Rick
Rick