Boat sinks in Perdido Pass, captain charged
Posted by Guy Busby, Staff Reporter August 02, 2007 2:28 PM

Alabama Marine Police said today they have charged a Panama City, Fla.,
captain with boating under the influence after the fishing vessel he was
operating -- valued at more than $2.5 million -- hit an obstruction and
sank in Perdido Pass.

James Cooper of Panama City was arrested when the 61-foot Tar Baby sank
Wednesday night, said Officer Rick Miller of the Marine Police office in
Orange Beach.

Miller said the boat apparently attempted to pass between the jetties on
the east side of the entrance and the beach rather than going around the
rocks and entering the marked channel. The boat hit a low wall under the
water surface.

The Coast Guard station in Pensacola received a call at 9:42 p.m.
Wednesday that the vessel was taking on water, said Petty Officer Vance
Pedrick.

A Coast Guard response vessel was dispatched from Pensacola along with
boats from Alabama Marine Police and the Alabama Department of Natural
Resources.

No injuries were reported. Miller said the boat was coming to Orange
Beach for a fishing tournament.

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Those low transoms will do it every time.