Capsized Catamaran in Seagrove

[Matt J]

Went to visit KDW, a whole other thread this evening, and witnessed a catamaran capsize in the gulf not once, but 3 times. We watched and everyone on board appeared okay as they tried to upright the thing. Two kayakers headed out to assist and two "beach guests" called 911 to report it.

By the time the catamaran had capsized for the 3rd time the SWFD showed up. One of them walked down to the edge of the gulf and watched as civilians continued retrieving people from the catamaran. The remaining 5-6 firepersons stood at the top of the walk over for Beach Crest and watched through bincoulars.

The catamaran was finally uprighted and brought to shore.

No one was hurt and the 8 yearold girl that was brought in was visible shaken but fine. One of the paramedics appeared to take her blood pressure.

A woman who was not involved other than to be on the beach was furious that the rescue personnel didn't enter the water. I didn't engage her since the outrage was a little over the top for the situation. Having reflected on the situation I realized the following.

No one was in distress, all were wearing life jackets or actively trying to upright the catamaran.
The fire department was called and my understanding is that they are not normally called for water rescues and were fully clothed.

Long story short everyone was okay, the catamaran apparently was missing a plug in one of the hulls that caused it to fill with water and thus continuously capsize.

P.S. KDW and Jfunn have pics. They're supposed to post them, but it may take some time.

 

[Miss Kitty]

WOw...so all y'all never felt it was a dangerous situation? Glad for the good outcome...life jackets, rule...especially when people actually wear them.

I looked for your Darlene visit thread....did you put it in Darlene's thread...13 days and counting? Ooooooh, pics?

 

[kathydwells]

WOw...so all y'all never felt it was a dangerous situation? Glad for the good outcome...life jackets, rule...especially when people actually wear them.

I looked for your Darlene visit thread....did you put it in Darlene's thread...13 days and counting? Ooooooh, pics?

I was very glad that everyone on board was ok. The little girl was visibily shaken and I felt so sorry for her. The dangerous part in my opinion was the time of day. It was late afternoon about dusk past the second sandbar. Of course I was concerned for everyone being in the water at that time of day. Two kayakers went out rescued the some of the people on board and I was very glad they did. Like SWGB said, I am not sure what the SWFD could/should have done. The lady on shore was very upset that they were not doing anything. Everything turned out just fine. They drained the water and were then on their way.

I do have pics but will have to post when I get home.

 

[jessifunn]

 

[scooterbug44]

We have this problem all the time on the lake back home - someone sees a sailboat tip over and freaks out and calls 9-1-1. (We have an active sailing club spread around the lake so it's a frequent occurrence).

The problem is that the fire department and ambulance can't do anything, but still have to come and wait until the situation is resolved. The Sheriff/Coast Guard have boats, but are rarely out on the lake and even if they are, they don't know how to best right a sailboat (there are special ways).

The best thing to do is make sure everyone is okay, get any extraneous people to shore, let the sailors deal with the problem, and then get the sailors dry and give them some water and juice.

Foul weather or shark feeding certainly can add danger to the situation, but the biggest dangers are typically fatigue/overexertion on the part of the boaters or injuries caused by well meaning people trying to help.

 

[Matt J]

Actually the surrounding parties were very thoughtful and brought over water and juice for the little girl. Seemed like a very nice group from Birmingham. There really wasn't a cause for alarm until the second capsizing.