According to the Pensacola News, this occurred on July 24, and they were
found 25mi S of Pensacola. The article "Officials: Rescue a lesson in
safety", stated that "several waves slammed into it as the boaters tried to
motor the anchor loose". Although they were commended for "quick thinking"
and "proper safety measures taken" they don't really tell why the boat went
down. They also don't say whether the boat was a cuddy or an open
fisherman. (I have a Wellcraft V-20 Steplift, cuddy). I'd like very much
to know specifically what type hull, where the anchor was tied and what they
were doing to help it go down. I'm emailing the paper asking for more info.

As to the previous incident, only two people were on board, both dead, so
they assume (with anchor tied to the stern and caught in the wreck) they
tried to motor the anchor loose.

I agree that bowriders have no place out in the ocean but I frequently go
out 8-12 miles in my 20' cuddy. First however I check the weather and look
for 2' or less in the Gulf, "bays calm to a light chop". If the forecast is
up to 5', we don't go out, . I've found that if the wind is from the south
and it's 15 knots or greater it's probably a "stay in the bay day". If the
wind's from the north at 10-20, we still can go out 2-3 miles before there's
any effect from the wind.

BTW, there's another post here, about VHF/GPS. I wouldn't think of going
out more than 1/2 mile without both if these.
LD

"*JimH*" wrote in message
news

"LD" wrote in message
news
Another one, a "20' Wellcraft". This time the three men (apparently
capsized while trying to unhook their anchor) were saved after 21hrs in
the
drink. Almost by pure chance. The good thing they did is quickly put
on
the life jackets, tie themselves together and hang on to the upside down
capsized boat.

In case you missed the last one, a couple drowned only a couple of miles
out
(at or near the Massachusetts) apparently with an anchor tied to the
stern
and attempting to pull it loose.

This was a few months ago.
LD



20 foot cuddy cabins are not meant for ocean use other than near shore
with
calm seas. 20 foot bowriders (or bowriders in general) are not meant for
ocean or Great Lake usage, only for inland lake use.

What were the circumstances surrounding this tragedy?