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Author Topic:   Bodega Bay Capsize- 4 Dead

lizard posted 11-02-2014 03:52 PM ET (US)
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/4-Dead-After-Boat-Capsizes-in-Bodega-Bay-281186891.html
No one was wearing a PFD. Very sad. I am sure that we will here from Steve with the details.

PeteB88 posted 11-02-2014 07:44 PM ET (US)
Sad end - I watched the news story, all older folks. One guy made it to shore.
lizard posted 11-02-2014 10:25 PM ET (US)
Pete- at least 3 of the 5 VERY seasoned locals. They have probably made that pass a number of times. Waiting to hear the Nor Cal folks who may have more info. Sad.
placerville posted 11-04-2014 01:01 AM ET (US)
I was out that day in Strike3 for the crab opener. Tony and I never missed it.
Our Dungeness crab opening day is a zoo, with every unseaworthy boat imaginable heading out at daybreak. Saturday's weather was snotty but workable, 7-9 ft long period swell with 10-20 knot winds. You can mitigate the tough conditions by staying within what's called the "Outer Bay". This was where I was crabbing. The crabbing isn't as productive as the waters "outside", but it's safer, shallower and closer to port. Perfect if you're lazy like me.
For those who want to fish the outside waters, There are two ways to go. Between Seal Island and Bodega Head is a 200 yd gap that is the quickest under most conditions. Or run 1/2 mile south of the island and around "Jingle Bells" buoy. However when there is a big swell, the window between Seal island and the head gets smaller with waves breaking in front of the island and extending on either side of the island. When there is a really large swell, 10+ ft! the wave can break clear across the gap.
On Saturday, some boats were running the gap just fine as long as you were far enough from the island.
We were about 4 miles away when we heard over channel 16 a fisherman reporting to the CG that there was a flipped boat just outside the island with people in the water in the surf zone. It was horrifying to listen to the scene playing out. Everyone listening knew that the boat was in a place that no one should have been if you knew the area. Everyone also assumed it was some yahoos in an 12' aluminum skiff or some unsuitable craft. We were shocked when we realized it was a 32' Radon-like commercial fishing boat with an experience Bodega Bay crew. Together they probably had passed through there 1000 times. The thought is that they must have just cut it too close to the island. The CG was on scene in about 20 minutes but was too late for those in the water. The lone survivor washed up on the island and had to be plucked by a helicopter.
The official report hasn't come out yet. Needless to say the Bodega Bay community is in shock. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims.
littleblue posted 11-04-2014 02:37 AM ET (US)
I was out on Sat as well, out the Gate in the Stinson Beach area. I could only hear the Coast Guard side of the transmissions, but it did not sound good at all. Very sad indeed.
jimh posted 11-04-2014 10:45 AM ET (US)
I have been out in that area aboard STRIKE 3 with Tony and Matt. Those rocks are not anyplace I would want to be near with a 10-foot swell. The day we were there it was practically calm. It must have been a cruel sea that capsized the 32-foot boat.
boatdryver posted 11-04-2014 07:35 PM ET (US)
That pass between Bodega Head and Bodega Rock can bite you (its marked as Bodega Rock on the chart but it must be the same place Steve and the other super experienced locals call "Seal Rock".)
About seven years ago a party fishing boat quite a bit larger than this 34 footer was rolled severely while transiting that area returning from sea. Several people were thrown into the cold water and a few died. I'm sure that professional skipper had successfully transited that pass hundreds of times in a wide range of conditions.
I've only been past Bodega Rock twice (in swells only 6-7 ft), and, being overly cautious, I decided to take the time to travel the extra mile around the outside of the gong.
This is really sad. Those Radon type commercial hulls are common along this coast because they are so seaworthy.
JimL
WT posted 11-04-2014 11:40 PM ET (US)
http://www.kcra.com/news/ lone-survivor-of-capsized-boat-feels-lucky-guilty/29516052?absolute=true
JTC posted 11-05-2014 11:30 AM ET (US)
Everyone should seriously consider wearing inflatable PFD's whenever underway. Yes, they are a bit of pain and yes, they do occasionally get in the way, but also yes, once you are in the habit of wearing one, you completely forget about it.
I've boated thousands of miles, caught dozens of bluefin and yellowfin tuna wearing a full stand-up harness, not to mention countless smaller fish on light tackle, all wearing my inflatable PFD. In my opinion, the peace of mind knowing that all of my passengers (esp my kids) and I will float if any of us go overboard is more than worth the minor hassle.
JTC

martyn1075 posted 11-05-2014 01:06 PM ET (US)
JTC correct and it also removes most of the panic while on board and in the water because its sometimes the panic that causes people to lose their mental strength. Lets face it we are not fish we can only swim for so long.
Martyn
EJO posted 11-05-2014 02:04 PM ET (US)
JTC you are 110% correct. These automatic PFD's are an inexpensive investment for your life.
20knt 7 ft swells calls for wearing them even if you don't always do it.
17 bodega posted 11-06-2014 10:23 PM ET (US)
When I watch the news reel that Warren shared with us, it makes me very sad. The coast guard states that none of the occupants of the boat had a life jacket on. These men and women were aging, one over the age of 80. There are some men that can swim in these conditions without a life jacket at this age, but not many. The chances of getting hit hard on the head and knocked unconscious when you capsize a boat is pretty good, so being unconscious in the water without a life jacket gives you about a 0% of survival.
The question that many of us have been scratching our heads over is why were they that close to the Island (Bodega Rock is the official name on nautical charts) in that type of weather. As Matt said, the weather was "doable" but not docile by any stretch of the imagination. Moderate steep waves and brisk winds are no time to be approaching a seaward side of an island or reef.
As dangerous as the ocean can be in any part of the world, wearing a life jacket gives you a pretty good chance of survival.
So sorry for the families of these guys, and the one gal.
lizard posted 11-07-2014 11:44 PM ET (US)
I have worn inflatable PFDs for years. I don't understand what people find so difficult about them that they would risk their lives by going without. I rolled a car over one time and it rolled a total of 3 times. It was very disorienting and I was wearing a seatbelt, in a confined environment, with street lights on. When the car came to a stop, I had no idea where I was or my orientation to anything. Add cold, small craft advisory water and it is a losing situation.
Heartbreaking, avoidable and repeated time and time again. Sad.
Don SSDD posted 11-10-2014 09:15 PM ET (US)
Did a MED A3 course and SVOP course these past 2 weekends.
Most people can't put a life jacket/PFD on in the water. When you hit the water, unless its above 15C (and maybe even then if a panic happens), you can get a shock and hyperventilate. You can drown in 2-3 minutes if you don't get it under control.
You can get hypothermia in 24C water. If your body temp drops 2C, you will be unconscious. If it drops about 5C, your heart stops.
You will lose use of your muscles within 10 minutes in water below 15C, from hypothermia.
Basically, if you go in the water without a PFD, your survival time is a lot shorter than anyone thinks. And its not that long for most people, even with a PFD or lifejacket.
From the above comments, these incidents were not inexperienced people in unfamiliar waters with poor equipment.
I don't swim, so I have always worn a PFD. After watching videos of people who were being tested, everyone should.
Watch all of this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1qbnToHhuE
Don
egres posted 11-17-2014 10:30 PM ET (US)
And most of us have shop ed for them before
The #1 choices here in the North West regions is Mustang.
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/?country=23

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Author	Topic: Bodega Bay Capsize- 4 Dead
lizard	posted 11-02-2014 03:52 PM ET (US) http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/4-Dead-After-Boat-Capsizes-in-Bodega-Bay-281186891.html No one was wearing a PFD. Very sad. I am sure that we will here from Steve with the details.
PeteB88	posted 11-02-2014 07:44 PM ET (US) Sad end - I watched the news story, all older folks. One guy made it to shore.
lizard	posted 11-02-2014 10:25 PM ET (US) Pete- at least 3 of the 5 VERY seasoned locals. They have probably made that pass a number of times. Waiting to hear the Nor Cal folks who may have more info. Sad.
placerville	posted 11-04-2014 01:01 AM ET (US) I was out that day in Strike3 for the crab opener. Tony and I never missed it. Our Dungeness crab opening day is a zoo, with every unseaworthy boat imaginable heading out at daybreak. Saturday's weather was snotty but workable, 7-9 ft long period swell with 10-20 knot winds. You can mitigate the tough conditions by staying within what's called the "Outer Bay". This was where I was crabbing. The crabbing isn't as productive as the waters "outside", but it's safer, shallower and closer to port. Perfect if you're lazy like me. For those who want to fish the outside waters, There are two ways to go. Between Seal Island and Bodega Head is a 200 yd gap that is the quickest under most conditions. Or run 1/2 mile south of the island and around "Jingle Bells" buoy. However when there is a big swell, the window between Seal island and the head gets smaller with waves breaking in front of the island and extending on either side of the island. When there is a really large swell, 10+ ft! the wave can break clear across the gap. On Saturday, some boats were running the gap just fine as long as you were far enough from the island. We were about 4 miles away when we heard over channel 16 a fisherman reporting to the CG that there was a flipped boat just outside the island with people in the water in the surf zone. It was horrifying to listen to the scene playing out. Everyone listening knew that the boat was in a place that no one should have been if you knew the area. Everyone also assumed it was some yahoos in an 12' aluminum skiff or some unsuitable craft. We were shocked when we realized it was a 32' Radon-like commercial fishing boat with an experience Bodega Bay crew. Together they probably had passed through there 1000 times. The thought is that they must have just cut it too close to the island. The CG was on scene in about 20 minutes but was too late for those in the water. The lone survivor washed up on the island and had to be plucked by a helicopter. The official report hasn't come out yet. Needless to say the Bodega Bay community is in shock. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims.
littleblue	posted 11-04-2014 02:37 AM ET (US) I was out on Sat as well, out the Gate in the Stinson Beach area. I could only hear the Coast Guard side of the transmissions, but it did not sound good at all. Very sad indeed.
jimh	posted 11-04-2014 10:45 AM ET (US) I have been out in that area aboard STRIKE 3 with Tony and Matt. Those rocks are not anyplace I would want to be near with a 10-foot swell. The day we were there it was practically calm. It must have been a cruel sea that capsized the 32-foot boat.
boatdryver	posted 11-04-2014 07:35 PM ET (US) That pass between Bodega Head and Bodega Rock can bite you (its marked as Bodega Rock on the chart but it must be the same place Steve and the other super experienced locals call "Seal Rock".) About seven years ago a party fishing boat quite a bit larger than this 34 footer was rolled severely while transiting that area returning from sea. Several people were thrown into the cold water and a few died. I'm sure that professional skipper had successfully transited that pass hundreds of times in a wide range of conditions. I've only been past Bodega Rock twice (in swells only 6-7 ft), and, being overly cautious, I decided to take the time to travel the extra mile around the outside of the gong. This is really sad. Those Radon type commercial hulls are common along this coast because they are so seaworthy. JimL
WT	posted 11-04-2014 11:40 PM ET (US) http://www.kcra.com/news/ lone-survivor-of-capsized-boat-feels-lucky-guilty/29516052?absolute=true
JTC	posted 11-05-2014 11:30 AM ET (US) Everyone should seriously consider wearing inflatable PFD's whenever underway. Yes, they are a bit of pain and yes, they do occasionally get in the way, but also yes, once you are in the habit of wearing one, you completely forget about it. I've boated thousands of miles, caught dozens of bluefin and yellowfin tuna wearing a full stand-up harness, not to mention countless smaller fish on light tackle, all wearing my inflatable PFD. In my opinion, the peace of mind knowing that all of my passengers (esp my kids) and I will float if any of us go overboard is more than worth the minor hassle. JTC
martyn1075	posted 11-05-2014 01:06 PM ET (US) JTC correct and it also removes most of the panic while on board and in the water because its sometimes the panic that causes people to lose their mental strength. Lets face it we are not fish we can only swim for so long. Martyn
EJO	posted 11-05-2014 02:04 PM ET (US) JTC you are 110% correct. These automatic PFD's are an inexpensive investment for your life. 20knt 7 ft swells calls for wearing them even if you don't always do it.
17 bodega	posted 11-06-2014 10:23 PM ET (US) When I watch the news reel that Warren shared with us, it makes me very sad. The coast guard states that none of the occupants of the boat had a life jacket on. These men and women were aging, one over the age of 80. There are some men that can swim in these conditions without a life jacket at this age, but not many. The chances of getting hit hard on the head and knocked unconscious when you capsize a boat is pretty good, so being unconscious in the water without a life jacket gives you about a 0% of survival. The question that many of us have been scratching our heads over is why were they that close to the Island (Bodega Rock is the official name on nautical charts) in that type of weather. As Matt said, the weather was "doable" but not docile by any stretch of the imagination. Moderate steep waves and brisk winds are no time to be approaching a seaward side of an island or reef. As dangerous as the ocean can be in any part of the world, wearing a life jacket gives you a pretty good chance of survival. So sorry for the families of these guys, and the one gal.
lizard	posted 11-07-2014 11:44 PM ET (US) I have worn inflatable PFDs for years. I don't understand what people find so difficult about them that they would risk their lives by going without. I rolled a car over one time and it rolled a total of 3 times. It was very disorienting and I was wearing a seatbelt, in a confined environment, with street lights on. When the car came to a stop, I had no idea where I was or my orientation to anything. Add cold, small craft advisory water and it is a losing situation. Heartbreaking, avoidable and repeated time and time again. Sad.
Don SSDD	posted 11-10-2014 09:15 PM ET (US) Did a MED A3 course and SVOP course these past 2 weekends. Most people can't put a life jacket/PFD on in the water. When you hit the water, unless its above 15C (and maybe even then if a panic happens), you can get a shock and hyperventilate. You can drown in 2-3 minutes if you don't get it under control. You can get hypothermia in 24C water. If your body temp drops 2C, you will be unconscious. If it drops about 5C, your heart stops. You will lose use of your muscles within 10 minutes in water below 15C, from hypothermia. Basically, if you go in the water without a PFD, your survival time is a lot shorter than anyone thinks. And its not that long for most people, even with a PFD or lifejacket. From the above comments, these incidents were not inexperienced people in unfamiliar waters with poor equipment. I don't swim, so I have always worn a PFD. After watching videos of people who were being tested, everyone should. Watch all of this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1qbnToHhuE Don
egres	posted 11-17-2014 10:30 PM ET (US) And most of us have shop ed for them before The #1 choices here in the North West regions is Mustang. http://www.mustangsurvival.com/?country=23