Boat capsizes at Watch Hill Fri night

[Jamie M]

I was fishing Watch Hill Light Friday night. I could see the lights of 3 boats working one of the reefs, about 100 yards from shore. One of the boats looked pretty small, 18-19 feet, and very low to the water. But it was SUCH a calm night, I figured you could get away with it.

About 11:00 or so, I noticed the Block Island - New London Ferry going past the reef. I thought to myself, boy, that ferry is going really fast (15-20 mph) and was extremely close to the small boat working the reef (the other 2 boats were further away at the time). Sure enough, seconds later, we heard the sound of the small boat's engine coming out of the water, and I could see that the boat's lights were now submerged.

The guys in the boat were in the water, screaming for help, and the other 2 boats rushed to assist. We called the coats guard and police from our cell phone; maybe a minute later, the parking lot at the Light wa packed with police and fire trucks. The two boats, however, looked to be heading twards Stonington. We later learned that everyone was OK, but the boat was lost.

I wonder what the blame will be for the cptain of the ferry. It's my understanding that you are responsible for your own wake. Granted, that boat was a little small, but they of course have a right to be there, and the boat was properly lit up. Has anyone heard anything about this?

Jamie