Hey detectives…… Find this video.

[C-Ya]

I just watched a video on my private Captain group. I cannot post the video.

However……… You guys can.

Last night, in Merritt Island Florida’s Christmas Boat Parade. A guy in a Corvette Boat decided to show off, and went completely over another boat, sending the people in that boat to hospital by life flight. You see them fly into water after taking a direct hit.

The video has a pretty good view of what happened.

Find it!

 

[4Waters]

I can find articles but can't find a video.

Why can't you post it?

 

[C-Ya]

I can find articles but can't find a video.

Why can't you post it?

Its something I agreed too, when I became a member of the group.

 

[Dog]

 

[C-Ya]

View attachment 1457919

That’s it!

However, there is a clearer video, with sound.

Edit: it can be seen on this Facebook group, according to a text I just received. - The Space Coast Rocket FB Group

 

[stoker]

Merritt Island's Community News & Info | So apparently there was a boat crash, during the boat parade because of two boats acting like idiots | Facebook

So apparently there was a boat crash, during the boat parade because of two boats acting like idiots. One of the two idiots crashed into a completely different boat. I know who the idiots are and...

www.facebook.com

 

[Dog]

That’s it!

However, there is a clearer video, with sound.

Edit: it can be seen on this Facebook group, according to a text I just received. - The Space Coast Rocket FB Group

107K views · 3.8K reactions | Tragedy at the Merritt Island boat parade when corvette boat crashes into another boat sending multiple boaters to hospital. Life flight is on the way.... | By The Space Coast Rocket | Facebook

Tragedy at the Merritt Island boat parade when corvette boat crashes into another boat sending multiple boaters to hospital. Life flight is on the way....

www.facebook.com

 

[wzuber]

That was brutal. I hope the person knocked off the back of the boat was thrown clear of the wreckage. What a frigging idiot. I bet his g.f. isn't so impressed w/ him anymore. Clown was oblivious to his surroundings. He was so confused he even turned into the opposing boat at the last second.

 

[beerrun]

Jet boats should only be operated by professionals

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Can you imagine the carnage if that were a Mustang boat instead?

 

[DaytonaBabe]

107K views · 3.8K reactions | Tragedy at the Merritt Island boat parade when corvette boat crashes into another boat sending multiple boaters to hospital. Life flight is on the way.... | By The Space Coast Rocket | Facebook

Tragedy at the Merritt Island boat parade when corvette boat crashes into another boat sending multiple boaters to hospital. Life flight is on the way....

www.facebook.com

View attachment 1457922

That is exactly how I would expect someone with that "boat" to drive

 

[4Waters]

I could have told you what type of person would be buying these corvette/Ferrari/Lamborghini boats

 

[TimeBandit]

I smell a lawsuit.

 

[dave29]

What a tragedy!

 

[Outdrive1]

The midlife crisis boat hits hard.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Mustang drivers at an intersection are the most dangerous…..

Corvette drivers - Hold my beer!!!

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

That was horrible to watch

 

[bonesfab]

His new balance sneaker slipped off and got stuck under the throttle pedal. What a dumb ass..

 

[C-Ya]

It’s now up on Qualified Captain.

The video below also has the aftermath of what happened to the other boat…… Just bit more info.

THEQUALIFIEDCAPTAIN on Instagram: "Last night in Merritt Island Florida, at the Merritt Island Christmas boat parade, things went south REAL fast. No need for this nonsense.. especially at a highly trafficked boat parade 🤦🏻‍♂️ When you’re running

325K likes, 7,451 comments - thequalifiedcaptain on December 8, 2024: "Last night in Merritt Island Florida, at the Merritt Island Christmas boat parade, things went south REAL fast. No need for this nonsense.. especially at a highly trafficked boat parade 🤦🏻‍♂️ When you’re running a boat...

www.instagram.com

 

[Taboma]

It’s now up on Qualified Captain.

The video below also has the aftermath of what happened to the other boat…… Just bit more info.

THEQUALIFIEDCAPTAIN on Instagram: "Last night in Merritt Island Florida, at the Merritt Island Christmas boat parade, things went south REAL fast. No need for this nonsense.. especially at a highly trafficked boat parade 🤦🏻‍♂️ When you’re running

325K likes, 7,451 comments - thequalifiedcaptain on December 8, 2024: "Last night in Merritt Island Florida, at the Merritt Island Christmas boat parade, things went south REAL fast. No need for this nonsense.. especially at a highly trafficked boat parade 🤦🏻‍♂️ When you’re running a boat...

www.instagram.com

Mentioned that everyone is OK, so nobody injured ? Appears after contacting the flat's boat (Which didn't appear to have running lights -- although could have been washed out by the Vette's headlights) the Vette spun out, which might have spun it off and away rather than continuing over the top ?

 

[jetboatperformance]

Darwin rears his head ..............

 

[stephenkatsea]

With just the brief glimpse, the boat which was struck looked like maybe an older model CC Whaler? Appeared to be just observing the parade? And nobody was seriously injured? That’s good and truly amazing.

 

[Orange Juice]

Generational wealth at work.

 

[C-Ya]

With just the brief glimpse, the boat which was struck looked like maybe an older model CC Whaler? Appeared to be just observing the parade? And nobody was seriously injured? That’s good and truly amazing.

It appears to be a Flats boat. Very common around here. It also appears he was a spectator boat.

Lots of spectators don’t use their navigation lights, as to not interfere with the lights of the parade. It’s common. However, in maritime law, a small percentage of blame will be placed on the guy that was hit, if this accident is investigated by the US Coast Guard. I can already hear your responses…….. lol. But that’s how it goes with maritime law. But if the CG watches the video, I expect the outcome from this particular accident would fault the Corvette Boat driver 99% responsible, and the guy with no lights 1% responsible. Just my assessment if I were forced to name the percent I thought the impacted boat played. I cant give it a zero, even though that’s what it should be. Just some maritime law.

This accident has put all the parade boat captains on notice…….. Don’t be an idiot.

One last thing……. When I looked at the video on my 85inch TV…….. I was able to see that the girl in the Corvette boat actually took a pretty wild ride too.

 

[BoatCop]

It appears to be a Flats boat. Very common around here. It also appears he was a spectator boat.

Lots of spectators don’t use their navigation lights, as to not interfere with the lights of the parade. It’s common. However, in maritime law, a small percentage of blame with be placed on the guy that was hit, if this accident is investigated by the US Coast Guard. I can already hear your responses…….. lol. But that’s how it goes with maritime law. But if the CG watches the video, I expect the outcome from this particular accident would fault the Corvette Boat driver 99% responsible, and the guy with no lights 1% responsible. Just my assessment if I were forced to name the percent I thought the impacted boat played. I cant give it a zero, even though that’s what it should be. Just some maritime law.

This accident has put all the parade boat captains on notice…….. Don’t be an idiot.

One last thing……. When I looked at the video on my 85inch TV…….. I was able to see that the girl in the Corvette boat actually took a pretty wild ride too.

The 'Vette actually had "headlights" and although had the red/green "bow lights", did not have a 360 white light. You can argue that the 'Vette was exempt from lighting requirements, due to being part of the parade (if a USCG Permit was issued). If (a) The Parade was held without a permit, or (b) The 'Vette wasn't a registered participant in the permitted event, it is legally considered the same as any other recreational boat. Most of these events. when properly permitted, the permits state that participants and spectators in the area must keep at a no wake speed.

But... regarding the actual collision, the fact that the 'Vette driver was acting in a "Reckless & Negligent Manner" was not just the "proximate cause" of the collision, but the SOLE cause of the collision. The fact that there's video of the collision, and what led up to it, shows that even if the spectator boat WAS fully legally lit (red/Green + 360 white light), it would have made no difference in whether the collision occurred, given the same facts being present. The level of ambient light was enough to detect the boat even if unlit. I guarantee that the 'Vette drivers vision was severely impaired by the exposure to white light(s), and had zero night vision. And even if the skiff was properly lit, the 'Vette driver, more likely than not, would not have detected and properly interpreted the skiff's lights, seeing how there were dozens of red/blue/green lights directly in his field of vision, washing out any lights displayed by other vessels.

It's not as if the 'Vette was operating "legally" and just cruising, running into an unlit boat in the dark. This was a guy showing off, night blind, driving recklessly. Also a high probability that the 'Vette driver had been drinking and was impaired. However, even without that evidence, if I were the investigator I would have to assign 100% fault to the idiot driving the 'Vette. I can't see any scenario that the guy in the skiff would carry any fault in the collision.

 

[Dog]

The 'Vette actually had "headlights" and although had the red/green "bow lights", did not have a 360 white light. You can argue that the 'Vette was exempt from lighting requirements, due to being part of the parade (if a USCG Permit was issued). If (a) The Parade was held without a permit, or (b) The 'Vette wasn't a registered participant in the permitted event, it is legally considered the same as any other recreational boat. Most of these events. when properly permitted, the permits state that participants and spectators in the area must keep at a no wake speed.

But... regarding the actual collision, the fact that the 'Vette driver was acting in a "Reckless & Negligent Manner" was not just the "proximate cause" of the collision, but the SOLE cause of the collision. The fact that there's video of the collision, and what led up to it, shows that even if the spectator boat WAS fully legally lit (red/Green + 360 white light), it would have made no difference in whether the collision occurred, given the same facts being present. The level of ambient light was enough to detect the boat even if unlit. I guarantee that the 'Vette drivers vision was severely impaired by the exposure to white light(s), and had zero night vision. And even if the skiff was properly lit, the 'Vette driver, more likely than not, would not have detected and properly interpreted the skiff's lights, seeing how there were dozens of red/blue/green lights directly in his field of vision, washing out any lights displayed by other vessels.

It's not as if the 'Vette was operating "legally" and just cruising, running into an unlit boat in the dark. This was a guy showing off, night blind, driving recklessly. Also a high probability that the 'Vette driver had been drinking and was impaired. However, even without that evidence, if I were the investigator I would have to assign 100% fault to the idiot driving the 'Vette. I can't see any scenario that the guy in the skiff would carry any fault in the collision.

I read in the comments on one of the groups that neither boat were participants of the parade.

 

[C-Ya]

The 'Vette actually had "headlights" and although had the red/green "bow lights", did not have a 360 white light. You can argue that the 'Vette was exempt from lighting requirements, due to being part of the parade (if a USCG Permit was issued). If (a) The Parade was held without a permit, or (b) The 'Vette wasn't a registered participant in the permitted event, it is legally considered the same as any other recreational boat. Most of these events. when properly permitted, the permits state that participants and spectators in the area must keep at a no wake speed.

But... regarding the actual collision, the fact that the 'Vette driver was acting in a "Reckless & Negligent Manner" was not just the "proximate cause" of the collision, but the SOLE cause of the collision. The fact that there's video of the collision, and what led up to it, shows that even if the spectator boat WAS fully legally lit (red/Green + 360 white light), it would have made no difference in whether the collision occurred, given the same facts being present. The level of ambient light was enough to detect the boat even if unlit. I guarantee that the 'Vette drivers vision was severely impaired by the exposure to white light(s), and had zero night vision. And even if the skiff was properly lit, the 'Vette driver, more likely than not, would not have detected and properly interpreted the skiff's lights, seeing how there were dozens of red/blue/green lights directly in his field of vision, washing out any lights displayed by other vessels.

It's not as if the 'Vette was operating "legally" and just cruising, running into an unlit boat in the dark. This was a guy showing off, night blind, driving recklessly. Also a high probability that the 'Vette driver had been drinking and was impaired. However, even without that evidence, if I were the investigator I would have to assign 100% fault to the idiot driving the 'Vette. I can't see any scenario that the guy in the skiff would carry any fault in the collision.

Just remember……

I stated maritime law, and specifically if it were investigated by the Coast Guard. Not local police.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Maritime Law also states - no light(s) shall be displayed which could obscure or cause confusion with the lights required by these rules. Or something like that. That would pretty much end the Christmas Boat Parade tradition in various harbors all over the county. USCG typically uses common sense in these situations. Although, there was a time in Newport CA when CG was stopping and boarding large yachts (50 - 100’) in the middle of their parade, which CG believed may have been illegal bare boat charters. Many believe those actions were prompted by Hornblower Corp when they began to clear the way for thier entrance into the So Cal charter boat market, mid 1980’s.

Flat boats? As in boats which fish the flats, from raised platforms, for Tarpon etc?

 

[C-Ya]

Maritime Law also states - no light(s) shall be displayed which could obscure or cause confusion with the lights required by these rules. Or something like that. That would pretty much end the Christmas Boat Parade tradition in various harbors all over the county. USCG typically uses common sense in these situations. Although, there was a time in Newport CA when CG was stopping and boarding large yachts (50 - 100’) in the middle of their parade, which CG believed may have been illegal bare boat charters. Many believe those actions were prompted by Hornblower Corp when they began to clear the way for thier entrance into the So Cal charter boat market, mid 1980’s.

Flat boats? As in boats which fish the flats, from raised platforms, for Tarpon etc?

Yes. Over the outboard was a raised platform for using a push pole. The guy on the back was sitting on the platform. Normally, someone is standing on it, while in the back waters.

Here is an example…..

 

[C-Ya]

Maritime Law also states - no light(s) shall be displayed which could obscure or cause confusion with the lights required by these rules. Or something like that. That would pretty much end the Christmas Boat Parade tradition in various harbors all over the county. USCG typically uses common sense in these situations. Although, there was a time in Newport CA when CG was stopping and boarding large yachts (50 - 100’) in the middle of their parade, which CG believed may have been illegal bare boat charters. Many believe those actions were prompted by Hornblower Corp when they began to clear the way for thier entrance into the So Cal charter boat market, mid 1980’s.

Flat boats? As in boats which fish the flats, from raised platforms, for Tarpon etc?

Example…..

 

[stephenkatsea]

During that period in the 1980’s USCG had some crazy thoughts on “carrying passengers for hire”. They went to far as to interpret, a business owner entertaining his clients on the water, was doing that in expectation of “future remuneration”/making money from those clients in the future. That was ridiculous.

 

[BHC Vic]

I only watched it once quickly but I thought the other boat got in his way taking a bad route

 

[C-Ya]

During that period in the 1980’s USCG had some crazy thoughts on “carrying passengers for hire”. They went to far as to interpret, a business owner entertaining his clients on the water, was doing that in expectation of “future remuneration”/making money from those clients in the future. That was ridiculous.

Don’t get me started on the absurd stories I am aware of……..

 

[C-Ya]

Don’t get me started on the absurd stories I am aware of……..

Take a look at The Bayside Blaster incident.

 

[C-Ya]

Here is the boat that got hit……..

 

[wzuber]

Here is the boat that got hit……..

View attachment 1458354

Well, it faired better then I thought it would've. Still a unnecessarily horrible sitchuation. Good to hear no serious injuries. I hope the stupid vet boat driver spends some significant time in jail.

 

[Outdrive1]

I was a Coast Guard Boating Accident Investigator before and during the time I was with the SO.

Was that you heading up river today? RET CG plate?

 

[BoatCop]

Was that you heading up river today? RET CG plate?

Red Yukon?

Yep.

 

[Outdrive1]

Red Yukon?

Yep.

I figured, I was following you after the Blue Water. You were speeding lol

 

[BoatCop]

Just remember……

I stated maritime law, and specifically if it were investigated by the Coast Guard. Not local police.

I was a Coast Guard Boating Accident Investigator before and during the time I was with the SO. In reading what has been posted since my prior post, that the boats involved were NOT part of a permitted Marine Event, then the Coast Guard would have handed it off to local Law Enforcement.

While nearly every violation in State Maritime laws are also in Federal Regulations, it's easier for minor, non-commercial vessel violations to be run through the local authorities and court system, then going the Federal route with US Attorney, Federal Courts, etc. Especially if the violator is to be taken into custody. As an example, here in Parker/Havasu, the case would have to go to Yuma, Vegas, or Prescott for prosecution.

Local authorities also have more experience and expertise in investigating small recreational vessel collisions than Coast Guard personnel. While those of us who were assigned to Coast Guard Boating Safety Teams in the '70s & '80s received significant training in recreational boat accident investigations, that ended when the BOSDET program was eliminated in 1981. As long as there is no nexus to commercial vessel operation, operator licensing, something with direct Federal responsibility, or something outside of the State Jurisdiction (3 mile limit), they will usually defer minor rec boat accidents to the locals.

 

[BoatCop]

I figured, I was following you after the Blue Water. You were speeding lol

If you do the speed limit through there, you'll get run over.