[OneLoyalAmerican]

Greetings papasmurf & troy McClure:

National and International law requires the right of way be given to the least maneuverable vessel.

First, that is not always the case. RULE 9, Narrow Channels. Huck Finn's raft, whether floating down the Mississippi or the Delaware; while less maneuverable, does not have the right of way.

Second, location matters. Not enough information in the story to make an educated guess. Where did the mishap take place? International, Inland, Western Rivers, or State waters. A whole string of 72 COLREGS Steering and Sailing Rules are in play with this incident. A good maritime attorney will know.

Given a loss of life occurred and a law enforcement agency is involved; the nearest USCG unit should be called to conduct an independent investigation.

Cheers,
OLA

[NoLibZone]

I don’t see where it say they were in a narrow channel.

[papasmurf]

Rule 9 doesn't seem to apply-even if it were a narrow channel. It's the largest freshwater Lake in Ca. and part of Clearlake State Park. Great camping, fishing, hunting, boating. Fly in Lampson Field (1O2).

Rule 13: (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules [of Part B, Sections I and II / 4 through 18], any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

(b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with a another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.

(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.

(d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.