POLICE: Boaters distress call leads to possible prosecution
Posted Fri, Feb 5th 2010, 18:09(Grand Cayman - CITN) -
Police say despite all previous warnings and information give to the boating public by the RCIPS Marine Unit, it appears that some people are still not making sure they have the proper equipment when they head out to sea.
A police spokesperson says about 8:50 p.m. last night (4 February), police were called to assist a 17-foot fishing boat off North West Point in West Bay. The boat had three persons on board and they were unable to start the boat’s engine. They did have paddles available but because of the prevailing sea conditions they were unable to make headway.
The RCIPS Marine Unit Typhoon was deployed and the boat was towed back to shore. When officers carried out a routine safety check of the boat, they discovered that the occupants did not have the necessary safety equipment on board.
Inspector Brad Ebanks of the RCIPS Marine Unit says “It is difficult for me to accept that boaters are not making good of our advice and warnings and are still going out to sea without the necessary equipment. People have to be more responsible and stop putting people’s lives at risk.”
Mr. Ebanks also said “It is with good reason why you are required to have these safety items onboard. The mentality of ‘nothing is going to happen’ is far from the truth. The boating public can certainly expect to see an increase in checks for the require safety equipment. If you own a boat and don’t have the required safety equipment you should make good of this time to ensure that you acquire them”.
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