Husband and Wife Die after Sailboat Capsizes off Oregon Coast

Posted on behalf of RizkLaw on Oct 06, 2021 in Personal Injury

Around 8:20 p.m. on October 3rd, deputies from the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an overturned sailboat south of Nehalem Bay. On the nearby beach, authorities spotted an unconscious woman, but medics were unable to revive her. When the 42-foot sailboat washed up on the beach, the U.S. Coast Guard found the body of an adult male.

Unfortunately, even with emergency medical teams from the fire department and U.S Coast Guard were at the scene, the teams were unsuccessful in attempts to revive the couple. While the Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the cause of the overturned vessel, there was no one else on board when the boat capsized.

What Are Common Causes for Boating Accidents in Oregon?

Boating is often a fun activity many Oregon residents and visitors enjoy. The coastal environment makes for a lovely scenic experience and is enjoyable for everyone. However, boating can come with many dangers. The following are a few common reasons for boating accidents in Oregon:

Weather

No matter what type of boat you navigate, it’s always crucial to check the weather before sailing. Even if it seems there will be calm seas, the atmosphere can change in an instant. Strong winds can shift you off-course and create choppy seas, increasing the likelihood of capsizing your vessel. Fog can also greatly reduce visibility, which presents its own dangers. When temperatures fluctuate significantly, it is also possible for sailors and passengers to succumb to medical conditions such as hypothermia, which requires emergency care.

Distractions

Whether you are driving a car or a boat, distractions from others or mobile devices can cause a severe accident. Keeping a lookout for any circumstances and conditions that could risk a collision is an essential rule of boating safety and can prevent serious accidents from occurring.

Drugs and Alcohol

In Oregon, it is illegal to operate a boat under any use of alcohol or drugs. When a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the substance interferes with the connections between visual and muscle-control areas of the brain. This means that your coordination, judgment, and memory are all affected.

Inexperience

Ultimately, those with less experience operating a boat on Oregon waters will be more prone to making mistakes that lead to accidents. When people are inexperienced, even small errors in judgment can turn into life-threatening situations.

4 Tips for Staying Safe on a Boat in Oregon

You can take some precautions to keep everyone on board the boat safe while still having fun. When you are planning to enjoy the water, consider following the tips below for a safe outing:

Wear or keep a life jacket nearby
Stay aware of the weather
Understand the rules
Create a safety plan

Anything can happen when you’re out on the water but incorporating the above suggestions may help save your life during an emergency. If you are injured or suffer from a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, talk to an experienced boating accident attorney immediately.

Contact a Dependable Boating Accident Lawyer at Rizk Law Today

Unlike with accidents on land, you are not safe when you’re out of the vessel and can’t walk to receive help. The water comes with many dangers like strong currents and exhaustion. When you suffer critical injuries and property damage due to someone else’s recklessness, our Rizk Law lawyers are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve. With years of experience advocating for the rights and safety of our clients, we are proud to show clients our dedication to their case.

Call (503) 852-5761 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.

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