Reading through this thread reminds me of one of my first
delivery charters in the
PNW.
I was driving a
steel 60 footer for a relatively new owner and early in the afternoon anchored in Montague Harbor just north of Active Pass. We were the only vessel in the anchorage at the time until a large boat went to the north end of the bay and dropped their hook around 1700 hours. I called him on the
VHF and warned him that the holding ground oin the north end was pretty rocky and not great for anchorage. He told me that he had anchored there many times before with no problem and that they were only stopping for dinner. The sun disappeared but the vessel remained. Probably enjoying an after dinner cocktail and watching the sun set.
I lit up our anchor lights and ran a spotlight over the vessel to our north thinking at the time if he dragged he would be on us in no time! In Addition, I entered the time, GP
S coordinates and tree placement into our log book to memorialize our position.
Those familiar with the area know that Montague Bay is about 1 mile long and if he dragged anchor would have a long fetch before colliding with us.
I tend to turn in early so was in my bunk by about 9:00 pm. At 2:30 am I was awoken by a large crash as the vessel anchored to our north
lost his holding ground and drifted down the whole length of the Bay. Little to no damage to our boat but a lot of scratches to his
hull and lifted a large section of his toe rail!
The two owners exchanged
insurance info and we left early the next morning.
I had pretty much forgotten the incident until about 2 months later was served with a summons to appear in court. The vessels owner who had drifted down on us had sued our vessel owners, me and a bunch of John Does for damages caused by the
anchoring of our vessel too close to his.
The judge found in our favor after considering who was anchored first, my log entry and our collective testimony about the event. The$ amount was considerable and the judge told me on the
record that he held me and the vessel I was driving to a much higher standard of seamanship and watch keeping than the other unlicensed skipper/owner because I was a licensed
Captain and the other guy was not!
I mention this story because it is important for licensed skippers to be sure to do everything by the book, write even the most insignificant things in your log book and be prepared to defend your actions in court before a judge who knows nothing about the sea or maritime conventions. Sure saved our ass!
Phil
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