Fatal Boating Accident Serves as a Devastating Reminder to Stay Safe on the Water
A family is in mourning after the tragic loss of their loved one in a boating accident last week. According to news reports, the body of 36-year-old Reynier Marino was found by a family friend near the Julia Tuttle Causeway days after he went missing. The fatal boat crash is a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous Miami waterways can be at night.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, our hearts go out to the family and friends who have experienced this unthinkable loss. We provide legal representation for individuals hurt or killed in boating accidents in Miami and the surrounding areas. Contact our office at (844) 627-3529 to get a free case evaluation today.
Search for Missing Boater
On Wednesday, November 10, 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a call to action asking for the public’s help in a search and rescue. Reynier Marino had last been seen test driving a 32-ft vessel that he had just sold. Reports indicate that his last known whereabouts were near the Pelican Harbor Marina at around 7:00 pm the night before.
The vessel was recovered with what looked like significant damage to one side. By all accounts, Marino was an experienced boater. He owned a boating business and had planned to meet the client who had purchased the vessel that evening.
Grim Discovery After Days-Long Search
Multiple agencies assisted with the search and rescue efforts including the Miami-Dade Police Department, Fire, and Fish and Wildlife Commission. As reported by Local 10 News, his body was ultimately recovered by a friend searching near the Julia Tuttle Causeway where his vessel had been located three days earlier.
The grim discovery occurred at around 2:45 am. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is conducting an investigation into the cause of the boating accident. It is unknown how the vessel sustained damage and whether Mr. Marino was ejected from the boat as a result of a sudden impact.
Boating Safety Tips
Even for a seasoned boater, the ocean and other Miami waterways can present a number of dangers. Boating at night is particularly hazardous and can lead to severe injury or death if all safety precautions are not followed.
Safety tips for boating at night:
- Ensure you have properly working lights;
- Go slow;
- Never boat in an unfamiliar location;
- Try not to go out alone; it’s always safer to have a lookout;
- Use floatation devices;
- Keep an emergency kit aboard, including flashlights and glowsticks;
- Never boat under the influence; and
- Consider taking a boating safety course.
Boating accidents are an all-too-frequent occurrence off the coast of Miami. By preparing ahead and following all of the local rules and regulations, you can help protect yourself and others.
Dangers of Boating at Night
If you can, avoid boating at night. Even for veteran boaters, taking a vessel out at night can be extremely dangerous, increasing your risk of being involved in a collision.
Boating in the dark adds several safety hazards:
- Difficulty seeing objects – The dark can make it difficult, if not impossible, to see things just below the surface, such as sandbars and tree stumps. Lights from other vessels can also act as blinders.
- Falling overboard becomes more dangerous – If you are thrown overboard in a boating accident at night, it can take longer for someone to find you. The dark masks objects in the water, making it almost impossible to get someone to safety quickly.
- Navigation equipment becomes imperative – Normal landmarks become cloaked in darkness after sunset. Boaters who plan to take their vessel out after dark should be experienced with navigational equipment and ensure that it is in working order.
- Speeding can be deadly – Speed is a factor in a large percentage of boating accidents regardless of the time of day, but it can become even more dangerous at night. A vessel without its lights on is like a sitting duck on dark waters. If you are speeding, you may not see the boat in time leading to a deadly collision.
- Lookouts become critical – Another crucial mistake that many boaters make is not having a proper lookout. At night a lookout can be vital. Lookouts may be able to see potential hazards much sooner than the boat operator.
If you do choose to boat at night, you should be experienced in navigation and never go out alone. Many serious injuries and deaths caused by boat crashes can be prevented through proper preparation.
Contact Our Office for a Free Boating Accident Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, contact our office for a free case evaluation. The legal team at Mase Mebane Seitz can help determine if you have a cause of action against a liable party, including a negligent part manufacturer, owner, or boat operator.
Call our office at (844) 627-3529 to discuss your case with a knowledgeable lawyer. Get the help you need now after a tragic accident or injury.
