The fatal boating accident occurred on the afternoon of Aug. 23. The 10-year-old boy, who was with four friends, was being dragged on a tube in Reynolds Channel near the Cedarhurst Yacht Club in New York when he fell off into the water. He swam toward the boat, which stopped in the water. As he was climbing to get back into the boat, his leg got caught in the propeller. One of the boys informed the boat operator – his father – and the man grabbed the boy’s life vest, holding him above water.
Witnesses attempted to help until emergency responders arrived and were able to free the boy. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he was listed in serious condition. He unfortunately took a turn for the worse and died of his injuries the following morning.
The operator of the boat has not been charged with any criminal activity so far. The boat is currently being investigated at the Nassau County Marine Bureau.
Although the incident was a horrible accident and the boat operator faces no criminal charges at this time, he could potentially be sued for wrongful death by the boy’s parents. Was the boat in gear at the time of the accident? Was the man negligent in ensuring that the boy could climb up the boat safely? The results of the investigation will determine if the operator is liable for the boy’s death. Unfortunately, even when safety precautions are taken, cruise ship accidents, boating accidents, and other serious incidents while enjoying recreational time on the water can still happen.
Source:
NBC New York, “10-Year-Old Long Island Boy Dies After Boating Accident” No author given, Aug. 25, 2013
