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When Boat Accidents and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Mix

By Renee Nordstrand on January 2, 2021

speedboat driving in the ocean

When people consider the dangers of boating, most think of running aground, being lost at sea, colliding with another vessel, or drowning. Very few consider being poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO). CO poisoning is not uncommon in houses, apartments, and other buildings, which is why CO detectors are largely required, but few people think CO poisoning will be a problem on a boat. While this may seem like a one-in-a-million accident, the truth is that CO poisoning on boats is incredibly common, and incredibly dangerous.

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The Conception: When Boating Goes Wrong

By Renee Nordstrand on October 29, 2019

large rock formation in the middle of the ocean

NordstrandBlack PC, like many others, was shocked and horrified by the September 2nd fire aboard the dive boat Conception, which claimed 34 lives and shattered countless others. Flames swept through the 75-foot vessel around 3:30 a.m. in Platt’s Harbor off Santa Cruz Island, and only five crew members, who were sleeping above deck, escaped. Rescuers were not able to breach the hull of the boat due to the intensity of the blaze, and it sank by morning. Our Santa Barbara boating accident attorneys have reviewed the facts.

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Posted in: Boating Accident

Encino Man Arrested in Boating Death

By Renee Nordstrand on May 7, 2013

A 16-year-old boy died in a tragic boating accident on Lake Pyramid, and police have arrested a 29-year-old Encino man and charged him with vessel manslaughter.

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, the boy was riding a jet ski on July 1, 2012 when a boat driven by the Encino resident struck him. Allegedly, the boy had just left a “no wake” zone on the lake and was speeding up when his personal watercraft lost power and stalled. Officials report that the boy was almost immediately struck by the boat after he stopped.

The teen was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remained for 40 days until he finally succumbed from his injuries.

The driver of the boat was arrested in April and is currently free on $25,000 bond.

In 2010, there were 570 reported boating accidents in the state of California. All in all, 283 people were injured and 49 people lost their lives in these accidents. Statistically, the majority of these accidents were caused by operator inattention, excessive speed, and operator inexperience.

As temperatures warm up and summer approaches, more and more people will be enjoying water recreation in Southern California. Unfortunately, since there is a lack of traffic signals and speed limit signs on the water, many boat and watercraft operators believe this gives them carte blanche to act recklessly. Couple that with operator intoxication and it is a recipe for disaster.

The boating accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand understand that boating accidents happen for a variety of reasons and in a variety of contexts. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another person, it is important that you seek legal representation quickly. We are dedicated to protecting your legal rights.

We can be reached at our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 or simply contact us online to arrange a free and confidential consultation. You do not pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard Tragedy Will Not End In Criminal Charges

By Renee Nordstrand on November 10, 2009

https://www.ocregister.com/2009/11/09/no-criminal-charge-in-junior-lifeguard-tragedy/

The Orange County District Attorney’s office will not pursue criminal charges in the tragic incident which claimed the life of an 11 year old junior lifeguard in July, the Orange County Register reports.

Alyssa Squirrell was participating in a lifeguard training program that required her to jump off the back of a boat and into the ocean when the boat, driven by Marine Safety Lt. Greg Crow, struck Alyssa.  According to the Orange County District Attorney, Alyssa’s death was simply a terrible accident and, however unfortunate, no crime was committed.

My heartfelt thoughts and wishes are with Alyssa’s family and Lt. Crow in this painful time.

Boating accidents can be devastating as they are often the result of recklessness.  Although clearly not the case in this particular incident, many boating accidents involve alcohol and leisurely fun that goes too far and endangers the lives of other boaters, water skiers, jet skiers, and fisherman in the water.  Furthermore, the lack of traffic laws on the water intensifies the potential risk for accident, serious injury or death.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of another boater’s negligence, please exercise your right to an attorney today.  Experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated personal injury attorneys will pursue your case aggressively until you see outstanding results.