Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
This was an extremely sad weekend for all powerboat racers, and especially their friends and family. I know many are waiting to hear the results of both accident investigations.
May all RIP.
Investigation shows boater inexperience, speed cause of fatal boating accident
By Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel
7:03 p.m. EST, June 7, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation into one of two deadly March boating accidents in Tavares determined that inexperience and the boater's speed was what caused one boater to die, according to a report released today.
Mark Van Winkle, 53, of Stuart died after being ejected from his boat and was struck by a passing vessel on March 17 during an exhibition on Lake Dora. The event was part of the Classic Raceboat Association's annual Spring Thunder Regatta. Van Winkle's boat hit the water wrong and he was thrown from the vessel, the report said. He was struck just seconds later and died instantly.
According to the report, Van Winkle wasn't familiar with that boat and the closeness of nearby racing boats also contributed to the accident. No charges were filed.
The agency expects Friday to release another report on a second boating accident that killed two others that same weekend. The second crash killed Charles "Chuck" Woodruff, 64, of Jensen Beach, and Dea Wiseley, 73, of Sun City Center.
May all RIP.
Investigation shows boater inexperience, speed cause of fatal boating accident
By Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel
7:03 p.m. EST, June 7, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation into one of two deadly March boating accidents in Tavares determined that inexperience and the boater's speed was what caused one boater to die, according to a report released today.
Mark Van Winkle, 53, of Stuart died after being ejected from his boat and was struck by a passing vessel on March 17 during an exhibition on Lake Dora. The event was part of the Classic Raceboat Association's annual Spring Thunder Regatta. Van Winkle's boat hit the water wrong and he was thrown from the vessel, the report said. He was struck just seconds later and died instantly.
According to the report, Van Winkle wasn't familiar with that boat and the closeness of nearby racing boats also contributed to the accident. No charges were filed.
The agency expects Friday to release another report on a second boating accident that killed two others that same weekend. The second crash killed Charles "Chuck" Woodruff, 64, of Jensen Beach, and Dea Wiseley, 73, of Sun City Center.
