Posted by orpheus on October 22, 2007 at 2:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

terrible accident. would really like to hear more details though about why it happened. i do have a question though; it it normal and is it safe for boat to be traveling ar 55 mph on the cooper river?

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 3:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

orpheus
It may be normal for bass boats, but I say it is not safe, especially approaching a ""blind corner". It will be interesting to find out the results of the investigation, unfortunately the apparent principle witness was also in a bass boat and was probably going 50 mph, so his observations may be clouded by this race track mentality of bass fishing.

Posted by mac0cm4 on October 22, 2007 at 4:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's normal for that stretch, I always did about 45 in my bowrider through there, and the bass boats would blow by at a significantly higher rate of speed. You just have to keep your head on a swivel, lots can happen pretty quick on the water and boats do not turn on a dime. Accident is exactly what it was, that's for sure.

Posted by whalernut on October 22, 2007 at 5:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Right off the bat it was caused by exsessive speed.
But it is a shame someone died over it.
Accident is though exactly what it is.
Had he been going slower the chance of a fatality would have decreased substantialy.
My prayers go out to his family who are the ones going to suffer.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been messing around in boats all of my life and it has been a long one. I have witnessed the evolution in fishing boats from small oar powered and/or small outboard powered boats to the current state of insanity. I have been in this area a few times and these hyper powered bass boats scare me - this was an accident just waiting to happen.

Posted by MHA on October 22, 2007 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that this type of accident was bound to happen. I'm on the river several times a month. Boaters are among the friendliest and most helpful group of people I've ever seen. For some reason, even jerks become friendly when they are in a boat. There is one exception to this rule... bass tournament fishermen. They don't care about anyone or anything else on the river. Boating as many pounds as they can, and then racing back to the dock, at top speed, just before weight in time are all they think about. I fished only about 4 tournaments before I realized that they take all of the fun out of fishing. They are also dangerous. I sold my bass boat and bought a pontoon boat that I can sit back and relax in. I still have to deal with the tournament fishermen... they'll swamp you with their wake in a second. After all, as far as they are concerned, the water belongs to them when a tournament is going on. The couple in the jon boat was probably turning left to tuck in to a small fishing hole and had no idea that a 200+ horse powered boat was barreling down on them. I see it happen all of the time, usually with near misses. I'm sure this was the bass boats fault. The boats have gotten too fast and the tournament fishermen have gotten too rude to be on the water with other boaters.

Posted by mggoose2000 on October 22, 2007 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bass tournaments are leagal affairs, but it would be prudent of the organizers to post signs, maybe floating signs that the activity is in the area. This would alert other boaters to the likelyhood that they might encounter bass boats traveling at high speed. There is no speed limit on the water unless posted (no wake zones).

Let's not stomp the guts out of the man driving the bass boat until the investigation is complete.

I'll put it like this: if a car is driving 55 mph on a two way street and the car meeting it turns in front of it and is hit, who is at fault? The car turning, of course! Same thing here, folks; if the boat turned in front of the bass boat, then the boat turning was at fault.

Speed definitely made it more difficult, if not impossible, to avoid the accident, but you are responsible for the safe operation of the boat you are in just as in an automobile.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mg
No signs are necessary. Each boat operator should maintain a proper watch and regulate his/her speed for the conditions at hand. Clearly 55 mph was excessive for the conditions at hand, as I understand it. Boat operators should be ready to alter course if a situation such as this presents itself - unfortunately it was not possible to alter course when excess speed and/or inattention are involved.

Posted by charlene68 on October 22, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can almost gurantee the boat was going at a high rate of speed. it does not matter whch way a boat is turned, the other driver should have respect for the other fisherman. the lake is to big to have accident like that.

Posted by lexylady on October 22, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The guy certainly didn't intend for this to happen, I'm sure, but shouldn't common sense and common courtesy prevail? A boat going that fast cannot just slam on the brakes and expect to stop. This is a true tragedy and should never have happened!! Is it the speed? You bet it is!!

Posted by mggoose2000 on October 22, 2007 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Neponset,
Bass tournements are based on who can get to the fish the fastest. Maybe we should ask the santioning bodies to restrict the speed and not condone such speed around congested areas. If not, then make sure that the boating public is aware of the activity in the area.

Not everyone that is on the water is a bass fisherman and therefore may not be aware of the tournement.

With more and more people on the water every season, we should definitely look at mandatory training. We've already addressed the Personal Watercraft area, maybe we need to look at boating in general.

Before you "less government in our lives" advocates get fired up, remember, if you operate a large vessel or ship, you have to have a "captains' license". Where do we draw the line?

We require that you have a hunting/fishing license, why not a boat operators license?

We have laws governing operating a boat or PWC under the influence of drugs or alcohol; we have laws that address operation of a boat in an unsafe manner.

The next step would be to license all operators and mandatory safety training.

Of course, this doesn't rule out the likelyhood that some jackass won't break the law; just drive on the interstate for a few miles and you'll see what I mean.

Bottom line, common sense should be practiced and generally it is. Unfortunately, not all the time and not by everyone operating a boat on our local waters.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early
I am sure that the technical stuff will come out in the inquiry and it will be interesting. I hope there was another eye witness to this tragedy beside Mr. Harlacher.

Posted by trod on October 22, 2007 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You have a good point there early license for boats then no one can say they didn't know.bass boats running in 50s isn't that unusual.the john boat turned left he was wrong damn shame though.

Posted by waterbug on October 22, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Total agreement with you mha. I tried this tournament bass fishing for 2 and a half years.

Posted by justme2 on October 22, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Condolences to the Family.

Posted by MHA on October 22, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When cars were invented, speed limits on roads did not exist. Only after car speeds reach a level where deadly accidents were occurring were speed limits imposed. My current car was governed, at the factory, at 142 MPH. I love to drive fast, and do so at tracks, but I would never drive fast on our roads because it's just stupid. We have reached a point in time where it is very easy, and not expensive, to buy a boat that does 70 to 80 MPH. Although I'm not crazy about speed limits being imposed on our water ways, I think we're at a point where it is necessary in places that are congested. This would mean all of the Cooper River, its creeks and branches and certain areas in the lakes. Go and watch the start of a bass tournament. Some of these guys get in 21 foot boats with 225 HP engines; they strap on motorcycle helmets and leave the boat ramp at full throttle. They know they can go 75 MPH, so they fish until the last possible minute and then haul butt back to the boat ramp to meet the weight in time cutt off. Not all bass tournament fishermen are like this, but the percentage is growing.

As far as who should turn which way: If you are putting along in a jon boat and you're turning in to a weed line that you like to fish, and you don't realize that the boat 100 yards up river is going 60 MPH, the whole right of way issue goes out the window. Another navigating law is that you must yield to a boat with lesser navigating capabilities. A jon boat isn't going to move to far if is trying to get out of something’s way. The faster, more maneuverable bass boat would be required to yield the right of way.

This is a horrible accident that could have been avoided had the driver of the bass boat just used to common sense. You don't go around a blind curve on that part of the Cooper River at 55 to 60 MPH. That's just stupid and irresponsible.

The entire group of boaters that fished the tournament then hung around the boat ramp afterwards, trying to defend the stupidity of the driver that killed the innocent man in the jon boat.

Posted by jumping_jack on October 22, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a bass fishermen and USCG licensed captain I can tell you that 99% of the guys running these boats are as courteous as you allow us to be. Yeah I'm one of the guys doing 55+ mph but I always have my head on a swivel and looking out for the other idiot boater who doesn't know the rules of the road. There are dive boats setup in the middle of the channel or on blind turns that make it difficult to decide which side to pass them on. Heck, I had a dive boat on the opposite bank about 100 yards from me and I had a diver come up 10 yards in front of me on the bank I was fishing.. the fishing boats anchored in the middle, I won't even go into the PWC issue etc etc..A little common sense on all sides would go along way. Plus a mandatory SC boater education course would take alot of idiots off the water. Tragic situation for sure but don't blame all the bass boat guys. With water levels going down on the lakes the river is going to be used more and more. Theres plently of room for all of us to have a great time on the water. Be safe out there!

Posted by tigersrule on October 22, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with mggoose2000 if the jon boat operator would not have turned in front of the bass boat this would have been avoided. This accident took place less than 1/2 a mile down river from where I live. Although it is a bad corner 55 mph is not that fast on a boat. I have been around that corner many times doing about 50 mph and do not believe that it is an unsafe speed. MHA the bass boat did have the right of way because the jon boat is a much more maneuverable boat. Bass tournaments are not about getting the fish the fastest, it is about getting the most fish in the time allowed. I personally knew many of the first responders on the scene and have heard a lot more about this story then has been wrote in the paper or seen on the news. Boats can be a very dangerous thing just like cars, that's why all boaters need to be aware of their surroundings. It is not just bass fishermen, there are a lot of boaters that feel the need to drive fast. Although it is unfortunate that this happened it was clearly the jon boat operators fault for making the wrong move in that type of situation. Charlene68 please read the article and get your facts straight, it happened on the river not the lake.

Posted by Kerry on October 22, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe one of the first rules of the water is always look where you are going.

If you cannot see what lies ahead, then certainly common sense would dictate a reduction in speed or possibly even a complete stop. Rounding a "blind corner" at over fifty miles per hour is foolish and wreckless. The actions of the smaller boat have no significance whatsoever regarding this tragedy. There is simply no defense for the stupidity of the idiot driving the bass dragster.

Posted by tigersrule on October 22, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"bass dragster" thats funny actually too bad the idiot is the one posting the comment. I am just wondering how many of these idiots posting comments know where this corner is at on the river or have seen the corner or have even ever operated a boat. Don't point blame unless you know what you are talking about.

Posted by reality_woman on October 22, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bass fishermem by far are the most ignorant and rudest on the watery ways. I confront them on the Santee Cooper Lakes all of the time and they have no regards for the smaller watercrafts out there. They act as if they have the big shiny boats that gives them the right to do as they please. There is no reason to be coming around a blind curve at that speed. You don't drive a car around a blind curve at that speed do you??? Then why is it okay to do so on water. People get you eyes out of you behinds and think, a jon boat is defenseless against the bass boat and even if the man in the bass boat turned the wrong way speed has played a serious part in what occured here. It is a tragic event that all boaters should examine and consider next time that they put in the river, lake or ocean. It can happen to anyone. I know I was capsized by a 40 ft trawler in the intercoastal water 2 years ago by the wake they created while we were sitting there and fishing. I was in a small boat as well. Thankfully my husband and I were not injured and we were able to swim safely to a boat that was nearby.

Posted by MHA on October 22, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jumping_jack, I agree that not all bass tournament fishermen lack courteous, but I'd say, from my personal observation, both fishing in tournaments with them and "trying" to fish as recreation during their tournaments, the percentage of courteous tournament fishermen is probably closer to about 30%, not 99%.

tigersrule, a jon boat with a small outboard is in no way as maneuverable as a bass boat. And one of the methods you use to get the most fish in your boat in the time allowed is to get to "your fishing holes" as fast as you can, and to fish as long as you can before heading back to the ramp, hence, speed matters.

The driver of the jon boat did not turn left in front of the bass boat to avoid a collision. He turned left to fish, he had no idea he was about to be torpedoed by a bass boat hauling butt from around a blind corner.

And yes, to both of you, I also agree that there are many stupid boaters on the water, most are NOT in tournaments. We do need mandatory safety classes. I've had the dive boats anchor just upstream from me and guide their divers right under my boat and the PWCs, as pointed out, just ooze stupidity.

There is plenty of room for all, but the "fresh water" portion of the river isn't really that wide, and I think speed limits are something we'll see in the future. I love to go fast, but I think the time of going fast in congested areas is reaching its end.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know where the 55 mph comes from, but I can tell you that it is very fast on the water and even minor swells can be a problem at that speed. Most of my boating has been in salt water, where there is some wave action which limits boat speed and I can assure you that I will never again venture into this insane bass boat environnment.

Posted by iopturbo on October 22, 2007 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am staying in the salt, anyone showing up in a bass boat with sparkles on it would be laughed off the water. I am all for a mandatory boating course, keep some of the idiots off the water.

Posted by Kerry on October 22, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

According to the "gone fishing" logic of Tigersrule - it would be perfectly reasonable to cruise along in a boat at high speed while watching the Sunday Nascar race or NFL football, as long as you "know where the corner is at" - no need to be concerned with what lies directly ahead because safety on the water comes from having "operated a boat" before.

Next time around this corner at a "not that fast" speed of fifty plus, be thankful that it is someone else - not you tigersrule - who will be carrying the burden over taking a life there.

Posted by bhippey on October 22, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Um. People just need to be more careful. Plain and simple. It was an accident. Someone made a mistake and a man lost his life. Maybe boaters will be a little more watchful of that area from now on.

Posted by beemz on October 22, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

prayers to the family.
beemz

Posted by singleroni on October 22, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What happens when one of these fast boats hit a stump or log. Especially now since the water levels are down. I was at Rock Pond one time when one hit a stump and was surprised that the boat shattered . The bodies were recovered the next day. This was a few years back but could happen again. Care must be given or you are taking a chance. 55 on water is fast and I haven't seen a boat yet with brakes.

Posted by Norwood on October 22, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, it was an accident. A terrible, terrible accident. But it's hard to understand the rush to defend the bass boat. To qualify, I know about the accident only from the newspaper, and I don't know that stretch of the river. But I think the key phrase in the article is "blind corner." To come around a blind corner at that speed -- when you should know there are others on the water -- that's just not smart.

Posted by crankyyankee on October 22, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live on the water and have had a boat for over thirty years. I beleive if the boats would have adhered to the keep right rule this would not have happened. It appears the john boat was in the wrong but he was just one of the many operating a boat in this area that don't have a clue what the rules are. Carolinians don't seem to like to read the directions wether it's their car or a boat. I keep my eye on the locals when driving or boating. Thank goodness there's not a lot of young teen girls on cell phones on the water!

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

crank
At this point we do not know all the details and may never know. But we do not need your put down of the local folks. I happen to be a damn yankee and I do not like what you are inferring. I have been messing around with boat longer than 30 years, most of them in these waters..

Posted by riddiksgirl on October 22, 2007 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why are bass fishermen being raked over the coals here? I have sat on the green dock and watched all types of boaters fly by, going fast, having a good time. The Cooper River has been there for awhile. This was just an accident. That driver was not going fast to see who he could kill, he was going fast because he has a motor that allows him to go fast. If this were a group of college kids or an elderly person driving the boat, what would the comments read then?

Posted by tigersrule on October 22, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like Kerry must know it all, but I don't believe I ever mentioned watching nascar or football. Since he has seen this corner before he knows that you can see around the corner some. Yes, most people do learn safety through the experience of operating a boat. This would be the reason they do not just hand out drivers license for cars to anyone even if they have ever operated a car. The point I was trying to make, which you obviously missed, is that if you do not know what the accident location looks like it would be hard to conclude who was at fault.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

riddiksgirl
They are be "raked over the coals" because of the excesses of that sport and one of their members killed someone.

Posted by Rooster on October 22, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw a picture of the johnboat on the news last night and if I remember correctly the damage was to the port side of the johnboat. Would that indicate the johnboat was turning right at the time? I think it does. It would at least rule out the bias statement that the johnboat was turning left.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rooster
Very interesting.

Posted by Girleygirl on October 22, 2007 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My deepest symapthy for the family.

Posted by MHA on October 22, 2007 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bass Tournament fishermen are not the only ones that are a problem, I'll agree with that. The problem is amplified though because you get so many bass boats going fast during a tournament. It looked to me like 50 or more boats participated yesterday. I didn't count, but it was a nice size tourney. I've been fishing close to a bank before when weigh in time approached only to have boat after boat blow by me, pushing my boat up on to stumps or up on the bank. I do know this part of the river. I fish it often. It is a blind curve, just as the article said, right near the train trestle you go under, just north of Durham Creek. Many people fish the weed line in jon boats, catching brim and crappie. Most likely, this boat was turning left to get to that weed line, not as a navigation path around the bass boat. There is no law against turning left in your boat when your fishing spot is on the left. There is no law against going fast either, but with the way things are on the water now-a-days, we may need one.

I love to bass fish. Every bass firsherman I've ever met has been very nice and courteous... unless they are in the middle of a tournament.

Posted by Kerry on October 22, 2007 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thankfully, there is another witness - the woman in the smaller boat, who miraculously mangaged to somehow survive being mowed over by a marauder with more motor than brains.

Certainly there are many people of varying boating skill levels on the water at all times making it that much more imperative to remain totally focused on what is happening far beyond the bow. There is nothing wrong with owning and operating a powerful boat as long as common sense prevails over ego and ignorance.

Certainly the bass fishing community should not be singled out or stereotyped here, as an overwhelming surplus of irresponsibility exist in the recreational boating population as a whole.

Posted by sccccc on October 22, 2007 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please, everyone should get the facts strait. I know another witness who was there. The bass boat was not even in the corner yet, and traveling approx 35mph because he decelerated for the corner, let off the throttle before impact, so even slower. The john boat had completed the turn, and heading strait for the bass boat. The bass boat turned right to avoid, the john boat turned left to avoid, both boats were still on plain at the time of the impact. If the john boat was on his correct side of the river, this would not have happened. EVERYONE KNOWS TO TURN RIGHT TO AVOID PASSING BOATS! Beer cans from the john boat were floating on the water after impact, the bass boat was not drinking or under any influence. So everyone saying the john boat is not at fault really should wait until the final report is let out. Bottom line, right side of the river for everyone, this john boat "cut" the corner to save time, putting itself in danger. There was no fishing poles found in the boat, nor did anyone see poles fall out, so beer? girlfriend? no fishing poles? I just hate to see anyone get hurt, and definatly don't want to see a fatality. No one deserves to die! This was an accident, and only that. Just like the person who pulls out infront of someone in a car because he/she did'nt see someone, or just like the person who ran a stop light, just like the one who runs off of the interstate after hitting a puddle of water. All of the accidents can be avoided, but then it would not be an accident. How about everyone quit pointing fingers, look at the bottom line. Bass boat out fishing, john boat out cruising, both hit each other, one person lost his life, other person was saved from the water (by the bass fisherman), and one bass fisherman's soul has been scarred for life.
My thoughts and prayers go out to ALL of the familys involved.

Posted by RTC on October 22, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, how about all of the people with more money than sense? I'm talking about those that buy the huge pleasure craft and run up and down the intracoastal waterway with no heed for anyone's safety.
They scare me worse than any fishermen, because they mostly don't know squat about the rules, nor do they care.
Their mentality is that they have the bigger boat, so you better move out of the way.
Most people that have lived and fished here all their lives are generally more careful and courteous than those that come here with the big bucks and buy those huge off shore racers.
Just like our highways the waterways have become too overcrowded, and the best time to go out anymore is during the weekdays.
As someone stated earlier even jerks tend to be nicer on the water.
I remember when people always slowed down when they saw someone trying to fish, now it's rare to see such a common courtesy.
I just think as our waterways become more and more crowded that accidents like this will become more of the norm.

Posted by MHA on October 22, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sccccc, if your witness's account is correct, that does change my viewpoint on this accident.

I still think the tournament fishermen need to slow down and be more courteous though.

Posted by sccccc on October 22, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is 100% correct, I assure you.

Posted by sccccc on October 22, 2007 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am in the marine business and sell many boats to people who are first time boaters. Everyone thinks they can just buy a boat and head to the water. We require all of our salesman to perform a strict delivery process, but cannot teach all of the boaters every rule. One thing we do stress is use the same common sense and general rules of the road.
My witness is a very close friend and not a bass fisherman. He would not lie or take sides.
I think you will find if you do the reserch that this 27 year old was a first time boat owner, and just purchased the boat from an individual a couple of days prior.
Again, my prayers go out to all.

Posted by jthigpen88 on October 22, 2007 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Listen I was one of the few people who actually witnessed the accident happen yesterday. My freinds and I took out my boat and two jet skis out. Mr. Blick (the man operating the jon boat) put in at the landing at the same time we did. I was going around the corner about 50 yards behind the jon boat and my friends and my self saw what happend. The driver of the bass boat is not at fault, he hugged the inside of the corner like he was supposed to. The driver of the jon boat was too close to the inside of the corner, plus he turned into the bass boat. Everyone needs to leave the driver of the bass boat alone. He was the first person in the water and he saved the girl. I agree it was a terrible accident but people need to be more careful on the water. If the jon boat driver would have just gone wider on the corner like he was supposed to this never would have happened. Either way it wans't something i wanted to see yesterday.And my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Posted by sccccc on October 22, 2007 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jthigpen88, thank you for posting correct information on this site.

Posted by CaptainEd on October 22, 2007 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Harlacher said he has no doubt the bass boat was in the correct position. He said two boats approaching each other should both turn right. The johnboat turned left, he said."

This is true so long as they were on reciprocal courses (i.e. head on). If they were crossing, then the vessel to starboard is the stand on vessel.

From the COLREGS: "When two power driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel."

Posted by sccccc on October 22, 2007 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They were going head on.

Posted by jthigpen88 on October 22, 2007 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The boats were head on it wasn't until they saw each other that the jon boat turned. i talked to the DNR officer at the landing as they were cutting the trailer off the mans truck, and he said that the driver of the jon boat was at fault.

Posted by slicknr2 on October 22, 2007 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

where in the cooper river did this happen. is this going back to bushy creek side was this a fresh water bass tourney?

Posted by JohnS on October 22, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The problem here is an example of weekend yahoo boaters. They trailer there boats and use public boat landings. Most of these folks have never taken a boater safety course.

Using some sense you should turn right if you have an oncoming boat. Use safe speeds so that you have control of your boat in case someone makes an error. On a Sunday you know their is going to be heavy boat traffic so slow down. You will always find someone stopped or going slow when you least expect it.

Posted by poli1471 on October 22, 2007 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Put me in the water with a bunch of bass fisherman, and women anyday. These people do have fast rigs, but most of them are very skilled in how to handle these rigs. The people I fear, are the people cruising around drinking beer and hell raising. These are the people who will wake you out of the water with their cuddy cabins and such. A bass boat on plane, leaves very little wake. I do agree, we need to have mandatory testing for all who intend to operate a boat.

Posted by jthigpen88 on October 22, 2007 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If You put in at Cypress Gardens, its the first turn you would come to if you were heading twords Pimlico.

Posted by anniepannie613 on October 22, 2007 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am just so sorry to hear about this. David is the 2nd person from our graduating class (Hanahan High School) to die in a boating accident. If anyone has an address for condolences, that would be great!

Posted by lynncohen803 on October 22, 2007 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you anniepannie613. Thanks to everyone who is praying for our family. Davey was very special and he will be missed very much. Any condolences can be sent to Culler-Mcalhaney Funeral Home 4541 Savannah Hwy,North, SC 29112

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The late posts are very interesting - lets see what is said at the inquiry.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

annie
I am sure that the info will be in the obituaries tomorrow or the next day.

Posted by Neponset on October 22, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of new folks here today, is it just that they have finally found their subject or is there some other motivation.

Posted by scott68111 on October 22, 2007 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First off, my sincere condolences to the Blick family. Someone earlier said for the most part boaters are a pretty friendly bunch. This is true, instead of throwing stones at either side, take a little from both sides and every boater learn something from this. I am a boater who rides past this part of the Cooper River almost weekly if not more. I am not a fisherman, but I do have friends who have bass boats and fish these waters. As a group, these are the guys you see with life vests on most all the time. Some bass boaters and pleasure boaters have bad within each group but the bad are in the minority. I get on the water to enjoy time with my family and friends. We tube, wake and knee board and run at wide open throttle when conditions allow it. I have passed and been passed by bass boats, big cruisers, john boats, you name it, you have to do your best to avoid a conflict. Everyone on the water should know which way to yield when 2 boats are on a collision course but not everyone does. For those of you that do know these things, teach your family and friends how to safely enjoy the water. It is those instances where the other guy (going fast, turning the wrong way, being in the wrong place) does not do what they are supposed to do is when you earn your money as a safe boater. I see bad operators on the river almost everytime I go out and they operate all different types, sizes, kinds of boats. Watch out for the other guy and stop condemning a group of boaters just because you don't like that group of boater. Learn from this tragedy and hopefully it isn't repeated soon. Once again, my thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of this accident. Everyone involved in one way or another, victims, operators, witnesses, rescue workers and investigators, my thoughts are with you.

Posted by Realredblood on October 22, 2007 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1. I live on the river and there was much less traffic than there would be on say "a normal summer weekend". I thought something like this would happen then-not now.
2. Bass boats put out much less wake than most of the boats out there. Courtesy is courtesy no matter what size boat you are in.
3. The corner in question is a 90 degree turn. Which way were the boats heading if you are judging the damage to the john boat?
4. In the article it states that the one guy was waving to his buddy as he passed by. Why did he have to look back to see what happened?
5. If you think that 55 was too fast, what would you set the speed limit at 40? 30? 20? 10?

It was an accident. Just like we see on our concrete highways. Who's at fault? I don't know. I do know one thing - another law will not prevent this kind of thing from happening again. My prayers tonight will be for all of those involved.

Posted by riverrat on October 22, 2007 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you are so cruel. Have you even thought about how the bass fisherman feels? I personally know him and he is very concerned for the families involved. This guy has a heart and this is a terrible accident he will never forget. In his defense, he has been bass fishing on that river for years and did everything to avoid the accident. The accident didn't even happen in the corner-it happened before the corner. The john boat was on the wrong side of the river. The john boat owner had just purchased the boat and was an inexperienced operator. Alcohol was found at the scene in the john boat. LET'S DON'T JUMP THE GUN AND BLAME THE BASS FISHERMAN....LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION...OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL INVOLVED

Posted by MHA on October 23, 2007 at 6:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok.. lets stick to the facts. How many beers cans were found at the scene? Since it's only about a 3 or 4 minute ride from the Cypress Gardens boat ramp, where the jon boat put in, up to the scene of the accident, how many beers could two people have possibly drank?

Yes, it's a sad accident. It looks to me like two factors played a part in this... one inexperienced boat driver and one boat driver going too fast for conditions. Hopefully the one that survived has learned something. The driver of the bass boat SHOULD be concerned for the families involved. He helped to destroy them.

Posted by lynncohen803 on October 23, 2007 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone is going to have their own opinion about the accident. But the fact is, it was an accident. The family doesn't blame anyone here. To the driver of the bass boat, The Blick family is praying for you too! We understand that accidents are going to happen, unfortunately, we lost a loved one because of "wreckless" behavior on the water. Casting stones at each other is not going to bring Davey back to us. We are a strong family and this will only make us stronger. The Blick family sends its condolences to EVERYONE involved in this tragedy. This has been a life changing event that will effect us all for the rest of our lives. To the driver of the bassboat, please find some peace in knowing that we understand your pain also and we are sorry this has happend. To everyone wanting to get involved, let the experts do the investigating and if you have opinions about the laws or want to introduce new ones, write your congressman. This forum isnt the way to put laws into action.
"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference"

Thank you, God bless you all,
Tiffany Myers- Davey's cousin