Port Angeles, Washington – One Person Dead in Boat Crash

Port Angeles, Washington (July 31, 2019) – One man was killed in a boat crash that occurred south of the east end of Ediz Hook Road on Tuesday night. The victim, identified as Robert R. Elliot, was killed in the crash. Elliot was also the boat operator during the incident. Three other passengers on the boat, two men and one child, were ableto safely escape to a nearby dock.

Police responded to the scene after 9:45 p.m. Officers discovered that the boat had struck a salmon pen. It is belived that the boaters had stayed out late into the night and discovered that the lights of the vehicle did not work. Investigators are also considering alcohol consumption to be a factor int he crash. Investigation on the crash is ongoing.

About Boat Accidents

Like any other vehicle, boats can be involved in dangerous accidents. According to data from the American Boating Association, in the year 2016 a total of 4463 recreational boating accidents were reported, with 701 deaths and 2903 injuries. Additionally, in 80% of accidents where the cause of death was known, the victims of fatal boats accidents drowned, with 83% of drowning victims not wearing a life jacket. Additionally, in 171 known accidents, at least one person was struck by a propeller, resulting in 24 deaths and 175 injuries. As for the type of vessel used in these accidents, the highest percentage of deaths was associated with open motorboats at 47%, followed by kayaks at 13% and canoes with 9%. As for the cause of the accidents, alcohol is know to be the leading known contributing factor to fatal boat accidents. Other cause of accidents included operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure.

Preventing boating accidents comes down to ensuring boat safety regulations are followed. Like with any other vehicle, the vessel itself must be checked to make sure it is safe to use. Proper knowledge of the area where one will be boating is also encouraged. It is also important to make sure that all people on the boat have access to safety devices such as life jackets. Preventing accidents ensures not only our safety, but the safety of others.

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