VESSEL #1 WAS POSITIONED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE EASTERN SEAWALL OF ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT, WITH A "POWER POLE" DEVICE DEPLOYED FROM THE STERN OF THE VESSEL. WINDS WERE ESE AT A STRONG 15 TO 25 MPH AND WERE CREATING 2 TO 4 FOOT HEAVILY CONFUSED WAVES AT THIS LOCATION. THIS VESSEL IS A SMALL "FLATS" TYPE VESSEL WITH A VERY LOW FREEBOARD. THE VESSEL TOOK ON WATER OVER THE GUNWALE AND THEN CAPSIZED.

THE OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL STATED A LARGER VESSEL PASSED BY IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AND CREATED ADDITIONAL WAKE. HOWEVER, THE WIND AND SEA CONDITIONS AT THIS LOCATION CREATED A HAZARDOUS SITUATION FOR A VESSEL OF THIS SIZE AND TYPE.

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE VESSEL SUGGERED SECONDARY DAMAGE AFTER CAPSIZING AND MAKING CONTACT WITH ROCKY SHORELINE. THE VESSEL WAS LATER REMOVED BY FRIENDS OF THE OWNER.

CASE STATUS: CLOSED
ST PETERSBURG