No one who was on board is talking, maybe because the incident is still being investigated. The rumor is that there was plenty of alcohol on board. Yet, it still doesn't seem like it's the skipper's fault if someone who can't swim decides to jump overboard. Is it the pilot's fault if I pop the emergency door and bail out of an airplane at 37,000 feet? Not really.
However, the incomparable Michaela could be held accountable if Mohammad Bagabir was obviously drunk at the time he jumped into the water. That's because the skipper controls the flow of alcohol on board and is thus responsible for the behavior of drunk people on board. The skipper should also know who on board can swim and who can't. When I skipper and it's not all good friends on board, I ask everyone straightaway whether they can swim, just like on a lesson. That's common sense. I am frequently hammered, but that doesn't affect my decision-making with regard to swimming ability because people have been known to drown in their bathtubs, which means the lake is a dangerous place indeed.
Note that the HSC Ground School Manual states repeatedly:
Remember... you [the skipper] are responsible for everyone’s safety!! (p. 11)
You are ultimately responsible for the safety of the vessel and all crew. (p. 13)
it is important to recognize that the skipper is responsible for the safety of all your crew and equipment (your boat) at all times. (p. 15)
As skipper of your boat, you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your crew (p. 16)
The skipper of a boat is ultimately responsible for the safety of the crew and the boat at all times. (p. 17)
The skipper of a boat is ultimately responsible for the safety of the crew and the boat at all times. (p. 22)
Here's a link to Michaela's Facebook page... let her know what you think!
What? The skipper was Robert Napier. Claiming that it was Michaela is libel to hurt her reputation. Where do you get your info anyway, do you just make it up?
ReplyDeleteCome on, everybody knows that the Skipper was Alan Hale Jr. Not sure what bullshit you're trying to pull by claiming different.
ReplyDeleteOnly by learning from the mistakes that may have happened can we prevent them from occurring again. Let's not vilify anyone especially since no one knows what happened on that ill-fated cruise. Judgments based upon gossip vs. facts are not worthy of comment. Let's wait for the investigators to publish their results and build from there.
ReplyDeleteMichaela Rabas was the too drunk to walk skipper. Fleet commander, I have information and pictures for you as well as videos that will make your hair stand on end. They relate to this "Investigation" and to the underage hoofer ambiance in general. How do I contact you to deliver them?
ReplyDeleteYou can send stuff to hooferclubs@yahoo.com including attachments (that address is in the blog someplace).
ReplyDeleteAs someone already posted above - hooferclubs@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteI frequently cringe at Hoofer activities, C-Cup, reckless/inept sailing, etc.
If you can make my hair stand on end, I'll be very impressed.
Let's face it, a very Club Members have given Hoofer's a bad reputation for heavy drinking. A few functional alcoholics dominate keels and have turned them into floating beer gardens. The Club should have big pontoon boats and gently ease the sots into 'skippering' them.
ReplyDeleteThat poor young man's family. His mother and father must be heartbroken. They'll never see their 'little boy' again. Such a senseless loss of life. The skipper and crew need to take responsibility. IF there is video and photos of the crew stumbling drunk after returning to the pier, they should be posted and not hidden. It's really for the benefit of the Skipper, Crew and that young man's family that they emerge so that the healing process can begin for all concerned.
ReplyDeleteRemember: someone DIED! This is really serious. Would you want a family member of yours dying and everyone involved just clamming-up?
Mr. Gorbachev, break down this wall (of silence).
done :)
ReplyDeleteA lot of wild speculation accusing the skipper and crew of being drunk and disoriented. According to the press reports it was late afternoon and early evening when this accident occurred. Hardly a time of day when people are drunk.
ReplyDeleteThe rumour mongers claiming to have proof of intoxication should stop whispering it around the Internet Playground and put up their so-called evidence. Or move on to the next target of gossip - which should not require much encouragement.
Was there ever an official investigation and has it been closed? If matter of public record would be helpful to see a link to it.
ReplyDeleteYes there was, and I believe the investigation is almost finished. I'll post a link asap.
ReplyDeleteFor those who are interested, the report on the June 6 drowning off
ReplyDeletethe O'Day is available, and is uploaded here:
http://s000.tinyupload.com/?file_id=29986544639046896964
Hopefully this well help settle some of the rumors that have been popping up since this unfortunate incident occured.
Thank you for posting the Drowning Report. It is good to have the facts in. My heartfelt sympathies to the man's family and the people on the boat.
ReplyDeleteThe big question still on everyone's mind still is "will Michaela Rabas, or David Elsmo face any criminal charges for causing the death?" Will the poor family of the deceased ever see justice?
ReplyDeleteDid any of the investigators assess the possibility that the swimmer dove into a mesh of weeds? If you've ever stuck your arm or leg into them you can probably visualize how deadly they might be wrapped around your head.
ReplyDelete