Accident on Geist Serves as Boating Safety Reminder

Indianapolis Sailing Club member Joe Alford stands next to his sailboat that incurred over $6,000 worth of damage this summer during a pontoon accident.

On Tuesday evening, July 7, around 6:45 p.m., my 2006 Capri 22 sailboat was run into by a speeding pontoon boat with six teenagers aboard. I was sailing with four passengers in a light breeze at about 1 knot in open water when the pontoon boat approached us off the rear port quarter. They did not change course despite our collective shouting that they were on a collision course with us.

The pontoon boat slammed into our port side, about amidship, at an estimated 45 degree angle, bounced off, and then sped away. The collision was sufficiently forceful that a portion of the above-deck structure of the pontoon boat flew over into our cockpit, narrowly missing one of my passengers.

Thankfully, a couple of nearby families in their power boats saw the incident and its aftermath, and chased down the pontoon boat, forcing it to stop. We called 911 using a cell phone immediately after the collision and the Hamilton Country Sheriff responded. (The Indiana State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was not patrolling Geist that evening.) We all then met at the refueling area of the powerboat marina in order for information to be exchanged. The police asked for the drivers license and boat registration (both of which we had) from the operators of each boat. They also spent substantial time talking individually to the parties involved in the incident.

Alcohol was clearly involved in the operation of the pontoon boat; evidence existed on the boat and all the teenagers admitted they were drinking. The teenager supposedly operating the boat had a breath alcohol content that was twice the legal limit. Another was so intoxicated that the police called for an ambulance to take her to St. Vincent’s Hospital.

The family that had chased down the pontoon came forth as formal witnesses to the incident. Thankfully there are good, responsible citizens on the water. One of their observations was that they did not see anyone at the controls of the pontoon boat immediately following the collision.

Structural damage to the 22' Capri sailboat.

Our sailboat was subsequently taken to Sailboats, Inc. for damage estimates and repairs. Catalina, the boat manufacturer, collaborated on repair recommendations, given the severity of the damage. The cost to repair the sailboat was $6157.00 and the repair time involved was six weeks. (The accompanying photograph depicts much of the visible exterior fiberglass damage to the port side of the sailboat.)

My reason for submitting this article for publication is that it prompts several reminders for us all:

• As the police and DNR readily agree, teenage (and adult) drinking on Geist Reservoir is a big problem. It is far bigger than they have resources to handle. So, sailors should ALWAYS be vigilant and watchful when any boats (especially powerboats operating at high speed) are nearby.

• Do not assume that operators of other boats see you. They may be preoccupied with drinking, making out, towing skiers, towing kids on water sleds, fishing, or other activities.

• Don’t assume that people on other boats can hear you shouting. Their own engine/motor noise may make it very difficult to hear sounds originating away from their own boat.

• Don’t naturally assume that someone is at the controls of another boat moving at high speed.

• Boats not under motor power (such as sailboats) have “right of way” over motor powered boats since non-motor powered boats are generally much slower and less maneuverable.

• Ensure life preservers are available for all passengers (and wear them as appropriate).

• Have a radio transmitter or cell phone on board when operating your boat in case emergency calls are necessary. Know which channels / phone numbers to use.

• Have a first aid kit on board (for treating accidents, sunburn, etc.).

• Make sure that your boat registration is up to date, keep a copy on your boat, and be certain that valid decals are displayed.

• Be sure to report all significant boating incidents to the Indiana DNR (a state agency which keeps track of all reported boating incidents). If another police agency investigates an incident, which was the case here, don’t assume that the investigating police agency will notify the DNR.