Perfect example how one bad apple ruins it for all

[Lancerbye]

Such harsh words against lawyers. Remember that deep down they are all good people. I think that means more than 6 feet down.

[anjou]

Why dont all the sensible boat owners who WOULD want the volunteers to rescue their boats shoot the ******* and restore human good nature and common sense?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by maytrix

Perhaps if you are going to help a drifting boat that is unmanned, you should get some pictures or video so you can show what would happen if you did nothing.

I think I'd rather take the chance and help someone than watch a boat drift off.

I tend to lean the same way... in the Balearic's for example its common for charters to sart streaming in just after 3pm... all dressed for shore and hoisting the dinghy of the fore deck... hook and dinghy hit the water round the same time... everyone piles in and heads for shore...
Round 6 the breeze comes down the valleys and the boats head for sea... through the anchorage...
or there's the case as in Las Brisas when a skipper left his green crew aboard and went ashore... a few boats dragged and cruisers piled out to help... some tended the unmanned one...
I naturally headed for the helpless lady sailor (It was the nearest boat(20's and lovely..) did yoga) )...
Order was restored.. thanks were given.. and to the best of my knowledge there were no come backs from the boats we shepherded..
However... there are exceptions to the rule... better your actions are well witnessed as there are those who WILL try to screw your good intentions... and insurance companies are not philanthropic institutions If they can make someone else pay... they will..

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by anjou

Why dont all the sensible boat owners who WOULD want the volunteers to rescue their boats shoot the ******* and restore human good nature and common sense?

That's not PC.

[David_Old_Jersey]

I like the salvage claim idea, of course that has to apply to every (unmanned) boat that gets rescued, and for a settlement to be agreed (to release the boat / claim) to include not only a cash figure but also a waiver on any future damages claim......and for those that are insured would also top up the coffers (even if they settled on less than full commercial - or only at beer donation level, or actual beer!)......or how about doing the rescuing end of the work only via a limited company (or a sister charity?) that has no assets of it's own (only leased / borrowed from the parent Charity) - so they can go broke in the face of a claim, which should put off a few folks (and lawyers!) looking to sue.

[sailorboy1]

my recommendation is for a bunch of people have 6 pack or 2 of those little cans of beer sold in the local area and then organize a little mob justice

the reason bad people sue good people is because we let them!

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

That's not PC.

Screw PC.
That's (almost) the biggest problem we've got these days !

[S/V Alchemy]

Sink 'em as hazards to shipping. The fish will be grateful.

[micah719]

Waidaminit.....

The thing was allegedly on the way to wrecking itself...whatever happened to the defence simply turning around and telling this pseudo-kiwi that his former boat was salvage, ie property of MRS? He should be happy to have his vessel back at all. Worst case, what if MRS simply accepts the loss and supplies the scammer with a new boat for 70 thou.....and then bills him 70 thou for salvage, plus legal costs etc.