riverman wrote:
There certainly are some conflicting reports on what happened.

http://tinyurl.com/9w4yj
http://www.nyrowing.org/
http://ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=8&aid=54486

But there is also some agreement. Apparently it was not broad daylight,
visibility was an issue, and no one seems to have assigned blame.

Yes, I stand corrected -- though morning, it wasn't "broad" daylight
since it was rainy and thus possibly misty.

Visibility is always an issue where there is an absence of malice (and
alcohol, for that matter).

Funny our fellow paddlers are so silent this time about assigning
blame!

If two moving craft collide, who hit whom?

Generally speaking, however, the less manuverable craft has the right
of way, regardless of who has the worst result. It will be interesting
to see if a rowing skull is considered less manuverable than a
powerboat.

It's interesting to see none of the paddling NG assholes are claiming
that the paddler is at fault by default!

I have read, however, that human-powered craft, though considerable
slower, are considered more manuverable (!), generally speaking -- at
least compared to tankers and such. It will be interesting indeed to
see how things are decided when it comes to a small speed-boat.

Noneless, everyone has the obligation to make themselves
visible, paddle boats and powerboats. Either boat could be at fault,
however the guy from the skull seems to be one one who had the worst
consequences. My condolences to his friends and family.

--riverman

Interesting, too, how the NYPD Harbor Patrol's investigation into my
case will turn out. I must say, they do seem serious about it. Most
of the time, civilian complaints are duly noted and left alone.