Dive Boat Tragedy - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

giantfan · #1 09-03-2019, 12:20 PM

So I'm sure most of you have already heard about the horrible accident in CA over the weekend.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...-cruz-n1049016

While looking at a picture of the boat it reminds me of many of the northeast party boats that run offshore trips.

This made me think..... what would happen if there was a fire in the cabin while everyone was sleeping in the bunks (way out or way in)? How do you get out? I have fished at least a half dozen different boats that had bunks downstairs and I can't remember one having an alternate exit.

I am not posting this to scare anyone or to discourage anyone from going, but with the offshore chunking season upon us, Take a look around when you are setting up your bunk for an alternate means of egress.

KMAC · #2 09-03-2019, 01:48 PM

We don't fish and travel offshore because it's safe. We do it for the experience. Of course we take precautions. But if you want to play it safe, stay home and watch Netflix. Here's a quote that sums it up: “A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd.

bulletbob · #3 09-03-2019, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMAC

We don't fish and travel offshore because it's safe. We do it for the experience. Of course we take precautions. But if you want to play it safe, stay home and watch Netflix. Here's a quote that sums it up: “A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd.

Yeah, gotta go with that.. Even in fresh water, if you are on a boat on the water out , escape in a dire situation is problematic.. This was a horrible circumstance.. From everything I read the company that ran these dive charters/excursions had several boats, well trained crews and a good reputation..

You are never as safe in the water as you are on land, but as stated, we go for the experience, not so much to be "safe".. by the way party fishing boats are not immune.. Read about the Montauk party boat the Pelican...
http://www.fmundus.com/ThePelican.html

giantfan · #4 09-03-2019, 03:34 PM

Guys, I have over 75 canyon trips on my own boat not to mention friends and party boats. I am well aware of the risks and rewards.
All I was doing with this post is asking people to be aware of their surroundings.
Nothing more..... nothing less.
Is it going to stop me from sleeping in the lower bunk area of a party boat? NO! Just going to be a little more aware of how the hell to get out if there is a fire.

AndyS · #5 09-03-2019, 07:25 PM

Many engine rooms on some of the larger boats have a Halon dump system for fires, even private yachts have them.

Rocky · #6 09-03-2019, 07:54 PM

I have done many overnight trips on large boats sleeping on bunks below deck with only a single exit and, this tragedy has made me think about my safety. Obviously one exit is not the answer and I am sure this safety issue will be addressed for all of ours sake.

Capt. Debbie · #7 09-04-2019, 10:52 AM

Also there aint many wooden party boats in these parts. That dive boat was supposed to be made of wood. What's that tell you about the burned up boat... old POS? Cheaper to charter perhaps?

Steel and aluminum don't burn so well.

But there are risks like carbon monoxide poisoning inside the hull area.

Supposed to have a fire watch. The crew not-save one escaped. Its a tragedy and a loit of things should have happened by didn't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyS

Many engine rooms on some of the larger boats have a Halon dump system for fires, even private yachts have them.

Duffman · #8 09-05-2019, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMAC

We don't fish and travel offshore because it's safe. We do it for the experience. Of course we take precautions. But if you want to play it safe, stay home and watch Netflix. Here's a quote that sums it up: “A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd.

Sorry, I respectfully call that total BS. I travel offshore to catch and ONLY IF it is safe.

Respecting.. weather, boat , equipment and crew. Never ever would I take the fishing experience over coming back home safe.

Maybe Im getting old and the balls have shrunk, but to me coming home is the key.

Gerry Zagorski · #9 09-06-2019, 05:17 AM

A real tragedy...

Putting yourself in harms way on purpose is one thing, an accident like this us yet another.

There are risks involved in just about anything you do but you take precautions to minimize them. Even so, and it seems in this case, things can and do happen...

Call me what you'd like, but I'll make the choice to sit home and watch Netflix if I have the slightest indication there is any sort of risk for me and my crew. No fish or "experience" is worth risking your life for...

"There are old pilots and bold pilots but there are no old bold pilots"