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wrote in news:1140362868.800835.285960
@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com:

While both skippers are responsible for avoiding a collision, the
skipper of the little runabout could be charged with a felony simply
for being where he was. How many legal rights do you retain when you
are conducting an illegal activity?

Let's not forget that there is currently a 400-yard security zone
surrounding all commerical, cruise ship, and military (i.e. the Coast
Guard) vessels. No vessel shall approach to within 100 yards under any
circumstance, and if within 400 yards speed must be reduced to the
minimum amount required to maintain steerage.

This was a stupid accident from all sides, and both skippers should
have taken action to avoid the collision. Once the lawyers get involved
and the stench starts to cloud up over the issue of who was at "fault"
here, the point that the little runabout was operating illegally by
aproaching the CG vessel at speed would certainly become a
consideration.

G Think you're pushing the intent of the law here.
I can just see someones defense now...... Why did you continue to try and
run from the CG patrol boat?... Why, your Honor, I was just trying to obey
the law and maintain a 400yd security zone!
There's plenty of blame to go around in this incident.

otn