Tragic accident

[codprawn]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4414081.stm

Just seen this -

"A yachtsman has died and another is in hospital after a boat they were rowing in to reach a yacht moored in Cardiff Bay capsized."

Remember Cardiff bay has a barrage so is quite sheltered - seems to me yet again deaths seem to occur when you think you are safe - people take far more care when faced with a force 8.

Wonder if they had lifejackets?

I nearly came a cropper myself today - just walking along a pontoon to look at a mates boat - of course no lifejacket - I didn't even get into the boat and yet if I had tripped and hit my head it could well have been "curtains".

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by codprawn

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4414081.stm

Wonder if they had lifejackets?

"Both men had lifejackets. The survivor is a member of Cardiff Yacht Club."

Taken from the article!

[Mike B]

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100n...name_page.html

Sad news !

I will try to pick up a local paper later to see if there is more info.

The powerboat comment is a possibility however there is a 5 knot speed limit around the moorings. I would have expected at that time on a week day the only powerboat around is likely to be a trip RIB that runs out to the islands and I've never seen this close to the moorings.

The bay can get quite choppy with the wrong wind on it so this could be an option.

Mike

[Mike B]

Got hold of a bit more info:

The Gentleman who has died is a former Gwent Police Inspector

When dingy capsized they swam to a nearby bouy but were stranded for around half an hour calling for help.

2 other yachtsman who were working on their boats heard shouts and took another dingy out to attempt to rescue what they thought was one man.

When they got close to the first man they saw a second life jacket in the water and when they pulled up they saw that it was a man who was slightly submerged. He was face down and seemed lifeless.

They recovered this man and once back at the pontoon they attempted resusitantion for 25 minutes with no response.
They returned to rescue the other man who was cold and shaken but seemed more concerned for his friend.

South Wales Police are continuing investigations into the incident.

I suppose this is likely to start the questions around the suitability, condition or use of the lifejacket and if it was a lifejacket rather than a bouyancy aid.

Cheers

Mike

[codprawn]

Bloody hell - 25mins in the water - in the enclosed bay - freezing this time of year! Can't believe nobody saw them sooner - surely a whistle or something would have been heard???

[Keith Hart]

I would guess that the man who died was wearing a 'bouyancy aid' rather than a lifejacket. To the reporter they are probably the same thing. It would be very interesting to know for certain.

Keith Hart

[Mike B]

the only further info I've been able to get today is the following:

"The water was reported to be choppy at the time of the accident and the club has been calling for a boom to be put around the mooring bay at the mouth of the Taff to help cut down waves."

The Police investigation is continuing.

Mike