What can happen when you cut off a ferry

[Steve Olson]

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/S...?m=y&smobile=y

I wasn't there when this happened, but I get a bit frustrated when I see pleasure boaters disregard the limited mobility of large commercial craft in well established routes and shipping channels.

[Dennis.G]

Originally Posted by Steve Olson

I wasn't there when this happened, but I get a bit frustrated when I see pleasure boaters disregard the limited mobility of large commercial craft in well established routes and shipping channels.

Nothing in the article says anything about the sailboat doing anything wrong.
Those ferries drive around like their asses are on fire, so I would not assume that ferry was the complete innocent one. Maybe, but maybe not.

Nice sailboat totaled and skipper taken away by ambulance in any case.

[SecondBase]

The photo indicates good visibility.

Anyone have a map shot of the harbor / accident scene?

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Dennis.G

Nothing in the article says anything about the sailboat doing anything wrong.
Those ferries drive around like their asses are on fire, so I would not assume that ferry was the complete innocent one. Maybe, but maybe not.

+1 high speed ferries can plot a course of a small sailboat and stop in plenty of time.

[cal40john]

Longer article:
Sailboat sinks in San Juans after crash with state ferry | www.kirotv.com


Harney channel
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Harne...y+Channel&z=14

[Delfin]

Originally Posted by scoobert

+1 high speed ferries can plot a course of a small sailboat and stop in plenty of time.

Not so much. Those ferries would take 1/4 mile or so to stop if they really put their mind to it. As the article says, both captains were at fault, as neither were paying attention. Not the first time a Wa State Ferry captain has done something completely boneheaded.

1986: The Hyak ran into a reef near the Anacortes ferry terminal, forcing the evacuation of 250 passengers.
1991: The ferries Sealth and Kitsap collided in heavy fog just north of Bremerton, injuring one woman.
1994: The ferry Nisqually went aground on Elwha Rock off of Orcas Island.
1994: The ferry Kitsap collided with a pleasure craft as it was proceeding to a Bremerton dock.
1994: The ferry Elwha crashed into the Anacortes dock causing $500,000 in damages.
1996: The ferry Elwha nearly runs aground in the San Juan Islands when the skipper goes for an unauthorized, 15-mile detour.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Steve Olson

State ferry collides with sailboat in San Juan Islands | Local & Regional | Seattle News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KOMO News

I wasn't there when this happened, but I get a bit frustrated when I see pleasure boaters disregard the limited mobility of large commercial craft in well established routes and shipping channels.

The least maneuverable vessel has the right of way, always. All the rules regarding "right of way," which isn't even the term used any more, are done to AVOID collisions -- not justify them. What rules did the sailor "break?" We'll never know. Maybe he had no engine and no way to communicate to the ferry that was dead in the water. However, the law pretty clearly requires that. And, knowing that he had limited maneuverability he never should have been anywhere near the ferry.

Anyone who has ever been on a ferry knows they would never win a slalom race.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Dennis.G

Nothing in the article says anything about the sailboat doing anything wrong.
Those ferries drive around like their asses are on fire, so I would not assume that ferry was the complete innocent one. Maybe, but maybe not.

Nice sailboat totaled and skipper taken away by ambulance in any case.

What rule did he break? The BIG one about doing everything necessary to avoid a collision. Too bad his boat sank, and if he landed in the hospital, I hope he heals quickly and completely, but he should have stayed away from the ferry.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by scoobert

+1 high speed ferries can plot a course of a small sailboat and stop in plenty of time.

I can't imagine why a ferry captain would think a small sailboat WOULDN'T get out of his way.

We can sit here and guess, but that's all we can do. I predict a minimum of 250 posts, with at least 95% of them speculative.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Delfin

Not so much. Those ferries would take 1/4 mile or so to stop if they really put their mind to it. As the article says, both captains were at fault, as neither were paying attention. Not the first time a Wa State Ferry captain has done something completely boneheaded.

1986: The Hyak ran into a reef near the Anacortes ferry terminal, forcing the evacuation of 250 passengers.
1991: The ferries Sealth and Kitsap collided in heavy fog just north of Bremerton, injuring one woman.
1994: The ferry Nisqually went aground on Elwha Rock off of Orcas Island.
1994: The ferry Kitsap collided with a pleasure craft as it was proceeding to a Bremerton dock.
1994: The ferry Elwha crashed into the Anacortes dock causing $500,000 in damages.
1996: The ferry Elwha nearly runs aground in the San Juan Islands when the skipper goes for an unauthorized, 15-mile detour.

Out of how many ferry runs during that time?

[svmariane]

Originally Posted by Steve Olson

State ferry collides with sailboat in San Juan Islands | Local & Regional | Seattle News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KOMO News

I wasn't there when this happened, but I get a bit frustrated when I see pleasure boaters disregard the limited mobility of large commercial craft in well established routes and shipping channels.

Yup. Agreed.

We sailed the San Juans (and the Port Townsend to Ballard area) for almost two years after buying our current sailboat in Seattle. (Shakedown cruises.)

Every harbour master/marina had free copies of the Wash. State Ferry routes / times. Wash state law gives those ferries the right of way. *

Yes, even the stand-on vessel needs to follow col-regs and take action to avoid a collision, and I'm sorry for the guy losing his boat... but c'mon...

Up there with those ferries trying to keep to schedule the prudent mariner is well advised to be like a child before stepping onto a crosswalk - look both ways. Again - I'm sorry he lost his boat. But to get run over by a ferry? In daylight?


* No, I can't cite the reference on right of way. Our paperwork from there is long gone.

[Ocean Girl]

Ferries are working, they don't cut you off, you get in their way . When a ferry is near I'm hyper vigilant, they can be like New York Taxi drivers. Damn the right of way stuff, our rule is too stay out if their way, in my ( not so humble) opinion.

Glad everyone is ok.

[Dennis.G]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

The least maneuverable vessel has the right of way, always...

Did you just make that up?

[Ocean Girl]

No she doesn't. The cadets logic is sound.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Dennis.G

Did you just make that up?

Go read the CoiRegs and see if each rule doesn't reflect that comment.

And, BY THE WAY, I don't come in here and "make things up." I think people who think others do it may do so themselves, however. (SWEET smile)